2 p.m. (AP) – Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says the budget he proposes next month will include a bond issuance to rebuild the Fulton State Hospital.

The hospital admitted its first patients in 1851. Patients now include those committed by the courts for evaluation and treatment. It also is the statewide treatment facility for people who have been found not guilty or unable to stand trial because of mental disease.

Nixon said Monday a new facility will mean better care for patients and safer working conditions for employees. Officials estimate a new facility will cost $211 million.

Missouri’s budget taking effect in July includes $13 million to design the new hospital. Nixon initially froze all the money but released $2 million in September. He announced Monday he was releasing the remaining $11 million.

(AP) – Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is preparing to outline a plan for constructing a new mental health hospital in Fulton.

Nixon scheduled an announcement for Monday afternoon during a visit to the Fulton State Hospital.

The central Missouri hospital first opened in 1851 and now has more than three dozen buildings on its property, some of which are particularly old and outdated.

State officials have said it could cost more than $200 million to replace the old facilities with a new, high-security hospital that is better suited for patients and employees.

Missouri’s budget that took effect in July includes $13 million to design the new hospital. Nixon initially froze all of that money but released $2 million in September.