A major step forward has been taken by Neshoba County's hospital. The Mississippi Department of Health has granted a certificate of need for construction of a replacement facility for Neshoba General Hospital.

The proposed project will be a two-story building, about 100,000 square feet, and will be licensed for 44 beds.

The project is expected to cost a bit more than $50 million.

Hospital officials had to get the certificate of need approved before they could move forward.