Rural hospitals are asking the Texas legislature for funding to upgrade hospitals in the poorest rural counties.

Concerned about the expense of upgrading facilities to meet federal and state requirements, the hospitals are asking the state to allocate $50 million from the general fund to update facilities in up to 42 rural counties with property tax bases under $450 million.

The proposal, prepared by the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH), was submitted at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee.   TORCH representatives said that the continued existence of hospitals was vital to the health of rural communities.

To qualify for assistance, a hospital would have to be at least 25 years old and operate an emergency room. The hospital or local government would be required to match any money provided by the state.

But the group’s request faces an uphill climb with the state facing a budget shortfall estimated at $18 billion.

Some senators on the committee voiced concern that the real problem facing rural hospitals was not the need for capital improvements, but whether they would be able to pay operating and maintenance costs and remain open.