Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and local leaders on Thursday dedicated the new Margaret Mary Health Hospital in Batesville.The 124,000-square-foot facility in Ripley County marks what's being called the first phase of an expanded healt h and wellness campus. It replaces a hospital that has served the community for more than 90 years.A total of $2 million from the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, known as READI 2.0, supported the $115 million project. The READI program is a $1.25 billion state investment designed to strengthen local communities and attract talent to Indiana. The state funds were used to add outdoor walking trails and community spaces to the campus.The Republican governor said in a news release, Margaret Mary Health's new hospital is a tremendous example of what can happen when communities invest in their own future. This investment will help ensure families across southeastern Indiana have access to exceptional healthcare close to home.The new hospital, just west of the intersection of state roads 46 and 229, is located next to the Margaret Mary Physician Center and the Margaret Mary Outpatient and Cancer Center. Hospital officials said the facility features updated technology, improved patient privacy, and easier navigation.Batesville, a city off I-74 that straddles Ripley and Franklin counties, has 7,400 residents. It's about a 90-minute drive southeast of downtown Indianapolis. ...read more read less