Sen. Fischer Secures Federal Funding for Damaged Utility System at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital

The U.S. Senator visited the Nebraska hospital to see the equipment the $3.5 million will help replace.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of an old, rusted steam boiler system in a dimly lit hospital basement, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet, nostalgic melancholy.The federal funding will help Avera St. Anthony's Hospital replace its aging utility infrastructure, ensuring continued healthcare access for the surrounding rural community.O'Neill Today

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer visited Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, Nebraska, after helping to secure $3.5 million in federal funding to replace the hospital's steam boilers and water heating system that were damaged in a 2024 natural gas explosion. The hospital leaders gave Sen. Fischer a tour and discussed the hospital's services and regional reach.

Why it matters

This federal funding will be transformative for the rural hospital's infrastructure and ability to serve its 17-county region for years to come. The support from local, state, and federal partners was crucial in securing the funding.

The details

In October 2024, a nearby natural gas explosion damaged the steam boilers and water heating system at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital. The hospital, along with the City of O'Neill, applied for $3.5 million in federal funding through Sen. Fischer's office in April 2025. Several local and state leaders, including a state senator, county board chairman, and chamber of commerce president, wrote letters of support for the funding request. Congress and the President approved the funding earlier this year.

  • In October 2024, a natural gas explosion damaged the hospital's utility system.
  • In April 2025, the hospital and city applied for federal funding.
  • Earlier this year, Congress and the President approved the $3.5 million in funding.

The players

Deb Fischer

A U.S. Senator who helped secure the $3.5 million in federal funding for Avera St. Anthony's Hospital.

John Kozyra

The President and CEO of Avera St. Anthony's Hospital.

Barry DeKay

A Nebraska State Senator who wrote a letter of support for the hospital's funding request.

Bill Tielke

The Chairman of the Holt County Board of Supervisors who wrote a letter of support.

Heidi Kuklis

The North Central District Health Department representative who wrote a letter of support.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It truly takes a community to support rural health care, and the funding we secured would not have been a possibility without the backing of local, state and federal partners.”

— John Kozyra, President and CEO of Avera St. Anthony's Hospital

What’s next

The hospital plans to use the $3.5 million in federal funding to replace the damaged steam boilers and water heating system, which will help ensure the facility can continue serving the 17-county region for years to come.

The takeaway

This federal funding for a rural hospital's critical infrastructure highlights the importance of collaboration between local, state, and national leaders to support healthcare access in underserved communities.