STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- After months of waiting, the final agreement for the sale of Philipsburg Hospital has been signed.

Dr. Larry Adams, who is heading up the effort to reopen the facility, said on Wednesday that he plans to open the emergency room first and will add a number of services over time.

Adams said he plans to hire about 50 employees to start with.

"As we develop the entire building the employment may go well over what it was before it closed," he said.

Word that the hospital could be opening soon and bring back jobs to the area was welcome news to many in the Philipsburg community.

"The community needs the workforce here and there are a lot of people who could use the jobs," said resident Ed Snyder.

Joanne Newhof agreed.

"I am dismayed that the hospital was closed. I think the community needs it," she said.

Adams also said that there are still a number of things to be done before the hospital will reopen, but after many delays, he said he is pleased that this time things are finally moving forward.

If all goes as planned, the hospital could reopen sometime this summer.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.