Lee Health Set to Equip New Medical Facility with New Markets Tax Credit Funding from UB Community Development

FORT MYERS, Fla., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UB Community Development, LLC (UBCD), a community development partner of United Bank, is pleased to have closed on permanent financing with a $6 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation with Lee Health. The funds will support the purchase and installation of equipment in a to-be-constructed medical facility in a low-income community in Fort Myers, Florida.

Lee Health is one of the largest not-for-profit public health systems in Florida. Originally founded in 1916 as a public hospital for Lee County, Florida, it has grown into a comprehensive, community-focused health system serving more than 2 million patients a year. It operates four acute care hospitals, a dedicated pediatric hospital, two skilled nursing units, multiple outpatient centers, walk-in clinics, and a regional cancer center.

"This investment allows Lee Health to expand critical infrastructure that supports the delivery of high-quality, efficient care across our region," said Lee Health's Chief Operating and Financial Officer Ben Spence. "We are grateful for the opportunity to better serve our community, while also creating meaningful jobs and strengthening our ability to meet the growing needs of Southwest Florida."

The new facility will be an 85,000-square-foot medical laboratory and data center that will provide laboratory processing and testing services to support Lee Health's current operations. This project, once completed, will provide medical lab services to over 100,000 individuals annually. Additionally, it is expected to create 30 new jobs and retain 142 positions from existing Lee Health locations. Lee Health delivers healthcare to medically underserved people in Southwest Florida by providing access to social services and support to individuals who have historically used emergency rooms to meet their primary care needs.

"With healthcare being so vital to a community and the uncertain future facing providers, UBCD is grateful to be able to support Lee Health in their undertaking," stated Alex Jones, President of UB Community Development.

About UB Community Development
Headquartered in Atmore, AL, UB Community Development's strong history and experience in New Markets Tax Credit transactions, coupled with our passion for improving the communities around us, make UBCD Alabama's premier financial partner for economic and community development. Through our NMTC projects, Community Facilities Lending Program and Community Housing Capital Fund, UBCD is working with community development partners in the fields of healthcare, education, manufacturing, public works, affordable housing and more to positively affect growth in regional communities. For more information about UB Community Development, visit our website at www.UBCommunityDevelopment.com.

SOURCE United Bank Community Development