BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Vermont state board has approved Fletcher Allen's certificate of need application for a new maternity unit.

The project is expected to cost $15.8 million. The hospital has a goal to raise $3 million to cover part of the project.

Fletcher Allen says the renovated space will provide an up-to-date new Mother-Baby Unit that conforms to health guidelines by giving mothers and families more space. The space will increase by more than 2,000 square feet and will reduce the number of double-occupancy rooms from the current unit, which is 50-70 years ago.

The new Mother-Baby Unit will have 28 patient beds in 25 rooms and three rooms for mothers who have been discharged but whose babies remain the hospital.

The Green Mountain Care Board approved the application on Friday.