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Congressmen Claim VA Funding Problems Impede Pittsburgh VA Construction, Relocation Projects.
WPCW-TV Pittsburgh (7/23, 10:16 p.m.)

"A veterans' hospital project started three years ago is running into a wall. Construction is underway at the Veterans Affairs University Drive facility in Oakland. They are in the process of moving the psychiatry, mental health and research services from the Highland Drive hospital, which will close. The VA's Aspinwall campus is also expanding, but both have run into a financial snag. U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle: 'Right now, the money isn't available because the central office in Washington, D.C. has diverted construction funds that were intended to this project to other projects that have cost overruns that are way behind.' A bipartisan trio of congressmen met today to try to find a way to keep that project on track. With the delays, the project cost has almost doubled last year's."

WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (7/23, 6:07 p.m.) reported, "When will the VA hospital renovation be completed? That's what three local congressmen are asking. ...That's the VA parking garage at the hospital in Oakland scheduled to open next year in 2008, on time and on budget. The same can't be said for the rest of the VA hospital renovation and that brought out three local congressmen out to get this back on track....Rep. Jason Altmire: 'The problem we have is with the Washington VA. If they think this congressional delegation will sit on its hands and do nothing while they continue to dither and send resources into other locations that should be in this project, they are mistaken.' The trio hopes the mere threat of legislation will put Pittsburgh back on the VA priority list. Rep. Tim Murphy: This is a unique center that requires unique facilities and uniquely trained staff. We cannot wait several more years to have this done'. Whether that bill is necessary or not, the congressmen promised this project will be done by 2011." The print version of the broadcast report also appears on the television station website, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (7/24). KDKA-TV Pittsburgh (7/24) also covered the story

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