A hospital in Urbana wants to expand its emergency department and has applied to state regulators for permission to build a one-story addition.

Carle Foundation Hospital's project would cost about $19 million. The nonprofit hospital proposes adding 14,000 square feet to the now 16,700-square-foot emergency department. The project would add 17 acute-care beds.

Dr. Michael Swindle is chairman of Carle's emergency department. Patients frequently must be put in beds in the hallways because of lack of room.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board is accepting written comments on the proposal.

The board has the authority to approve or deny hospital building projects in Illinois.