Authorities say that about 8,000 family members of active-duty soldiers stationed at Fort Benning will soon have the option of using a new medical clinic in north Columbus.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that North Columbus Medical Home is expected to open by March.

Terry Beckwith, a spokeswoman for Martin Army Community Hospital, said the new off-post clinic is being built as a result of nationwide military base realignments and closures.

The federal Base Realignment and Closure process in 2005 mandated the relocation of the U.S. Army Armor School to Fort Benning. But a new and expanded $350 million hospital, which will replace the 1950s-era Martin Army Community Hospital, isn't scheduled for completion until October 2014. Authorities hope the new clinic in north Columbus will help provide healthcare until then.

Tags: Columbus, Fort Benning, healthcare, family members of active-duty soldiers