Funding plan to help lure buyer for Maryland county’s hospital network

Prince George's County and the state of Maryland have agreed in principle to each spend $75 million to lure a healthcare company interested in taking over the county's hospital network. Under the agreement, Prince George's and the state would spend a total of $150 million over five years, beginning in fiscal 2011, to help fund hospital operations. The state would also spend an additional $24 million to improve equipment and facilities. A newly appointed seven-member hospital authority will seek bids from hospital companies willing to buy the system.