MADISON - City commissioners in Madison have approved the annexation of land for a $34 million hospital.

The Madison Daily Leader reports that the city also has committed $150,000 toward the project and waived building permit fees. Commissioner Mike Waldner says the project "is a huge deal for Madison."

Planning for the 104,000-square-foot hospital started three years ago. Construction could start as early as next month, and officials hope to have the facility operating by early 2015. Mayor Gene Hexom says it will be one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the city of 6,500 people.

The city's current hospital is about 50 years old.

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