The state has announced a 30-day extension of its review the Certificate of Need application, for Franciscan Health Care’s proposed hospital in Gig Harbor. It has targeted May 5 as the new decision date.

Since the end of January, the state’s review of the Certificate of Need application has been in the “ex parte” phase. During this phase, neither Franciscan nor those who filed may contact the state regarding the application. However, occasionally as part of the normal review process, the state will contact the applicant to get final clarification about the number of patients the hospital is projected to draw from Pierce, Kitsap, Mason and King counties. The clarification has been submitted to the state.

MultiCare Health System and Harrison Hospital, the only two organizations opposing the project, now have the opportunity to review the response and, if they desire, submit responsive information.

The Gig Harbor Planning Commission and City Council recently reached a positive decision on a text amendment to the current zoning that will allow the hospital to be built on the proposed side off Canterwood Boulevard near Burnham Drive at Highway 16 in North Gig Harbor if a positive decision is made by the state.