In 1998, The Cook County Board of Commissioners takes the final steps in the approval process, voting to accept a contract to construct a new hospital. County government, elected officials, health, and civic leaders hold groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Cook County Hospital. The new hospital will be a 464-bed state-of-the-art, comprehensive facility, scheduled for completion in 2002. Additionally, construction begins on a new energy efficient central power plant for the hospital campus.