Construction is scheduled to begin this month on a new hospital in Kemper County.

The initial phase of clearing land for the hospital, which will be constructed by Rush Foundation Hospital of Meridian, will begin in late January.

The county is seeking a grant from the state to run water and sewer service to the hospital site on 20.5 acres off Mississippi Highway 16 west in DeKalb.

The hospital, which is estimated to cost between $10 million and $15 million, will feature 25 beds, an emergency room, administrative offices and a cafeteria.

Officials say construction is expected to take up to a year.