$2.75M investment began in November

Mayo Clinic Health System officials announced Tuesday work is underway on a new $2.75 million cooling plant at the Albert Lea hospital.

Hospital officials said the investment “provides an essential upgrade to the entire medical center’s cooling system.

“This energy-efficient system will control temperatures throughout the main campus facility, increase the cooling capacity and allow temperature regulation in different areas of the building,” a Mayo press release stated. “The cooling system will pave the way for future renovations and expansions at the medical center in Albert Lea.”

Installation of the new cooling system began in mid-November and is expected to be complete in May.

The beginning of the project comes as tensions between local government entities and organizations and the hospital system continue.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin CEO Mark Ciota said in the release the new cooling plant comes as part of nearly $5 million investment the hospital system is making in Albert Lea.

“For more than two decades, we’ve been investing in this facility, along with generous contributions from community members, the Naeve Hospital Auxiliary and