(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved submitting a grant application on behalf of Amberwell Hiawatha.

The Commission took the action on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the lone dissenting vote.

A Rural Hospital Innovation Grant will be sought through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

If awarded, the hospital would utilize the funds to increase their abilities to do more surgical procedures and for technology infrastructure in order to keep patient information safe.

The hospital would be required to be provide a $2 match for every $1 in state funds.

The county would act as the subrecipient, if the grant is awarded. No county funds would be provided.

The Rural Hospital Innovation Grant was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2021 and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.