LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – After more than 20 years of planning and tens of millions of dollars raised waiting to be spent, Valencia County is now finally breaking ground on its long-sought hospital. Story continues below Investigation: Migrants held by smugglers escape after APD responds to wrong home Trending: VIDEO: Black Bear plays in the snow in northern New Mexico Community: New Mexico filmmakers highlight the struggles of Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire victims Podcast: More Seniors & Fewer Children: The Future of New Mexico The county's been sitting on roughly $28 million in operational funds for this hospital for the last decade. Now, they're finally taking a huge step forward in using it. "The population here has increased tremendously. Health care in New Mexico and all over the country right now is challenging so us to be able to have this facility here going to be able to address the needs of our community is just wonderful," said Chairman Gerard Saiz, Valencia County Commission. Local and state leaders broke ground on the new facility on Wednesday right off the main I-25 Los Lunas exit. Crews will spend the next year and a half building out the facility which will eventually be run by a partnership between Community Hospital Corporation and Lovelace Health Systems. The hospital will have its own emergency department and two operating rooms along with 11 in-patient rooms for overnight stays. Patients will have access to MRIs, X-rays and a pharmacy, something patients today have to go to Albuquerque for. "People are able to stay in this facility on an in-patient care basis and not have to leave the community. They're able to get a surgery done. They're able come in with a loved one with a stroke in the middle of the night and get a TPA and that stroke might not be life devastating for them cause they got care in an urgent fashion," said Jim Kendrick, president and CEO of Community Health Systems. Construction is being paid for with $50 million from the state legislature meanwhile the county has around $28 million saved up to help operate the facility. The building should be finished in spring 2026 and the companies planning to run the hospital think they can start seeing patients there within a month of construction wrapping up.