UTICA - One local hospital is thanking the community after raising $5 million for a new emergency room.

Campaign Chair Albert Mazloom says the $5 million raised was vital to completion of the $13 million project. The project is aimed at renovating the ER and upgrading equipment for nurses and patients.

Local leaders and hospital officials discussed the importance of this project when it comes to providing people visiting the ER with better care and less waiting. Aside from the capital fund-raising effort and Medical Center's contribution, nearly $2 million in State and Federal Grants were allocated for this project.

"Fortunately we started a little early, we were there 3 years ago. If we were starting today it would be more challenging. I'm not sure we wouldn't have accomplished anyway but there were just so many people that recognized a need," Mazloom said.

The 18,000 square foot ER has 33 beds and 23 bathrooms as well as new trauma and cardiac rooms. Hospital officials say roughly 28,000 patients use the facility each year.