By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald

The final hurdle has been cleared that could have prevented an affiliation between Enumclaw Regional Hospital and Franciscan Health Systems.

The office of the Washington state attorney general last week signed off on the proposal, ruling - as expected - the plan would not create a monopoly situation and run afoul of anti-trust laws.

Final papers can now be signed that complete the agreement between the local hospital and the healthcare giant, according to Sue Reiter, chairwoman of the hospital’s board of trustees.

Enumclaw Regional Hospital has operated independently for decades, but officials came to realize a much-needed new facility would require more financial backing than they could provide. A merger with a large healthcare entity was examined and Franciscan was found to be the best fit.

Voting members of the Enumclaw Regional Hospital Association overwhelmingly agreed in March to support the affiliation.

Franciscan, assuming there would be no stumbling blocks, has already taken tentative steps that will lead to a new Enumclaw hospital, Reiter said.

Franciscan has indicated it will provide funds to fully build a new hospital about 90,000 square feet in size, to be completed within three to four years. Costs have not been actively discussed, but estimates are in the range of $90 million.

Enumclaw Regional Hospital is a community-owned operation, originally made possible when local citizens put the money needed to build and equip the facility.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.