VA Plans to Return to Downtown
WASHINGTON – To provide veterans in New Orleans and throughout southeastern Louisiana the high quality health care they deserve and expect, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a preferred downtown site for reconstruction of a VA Medical Center in New Orleans.
“The veterans of Louisiana are one step closer to a world-class medical center returning to the Crescent City,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “By their service, veterans have earned the very best, and VA is ensuring they get it.”
Nicholson said the preferred site is located on 34 acres of land bounded by South Rocheblave Street to the north, South Galvez Street to the south, Tulane Avenue to the west, and Canal Street to the east. VA continues to evaluate collaboration with other local health care providers for shared services based on physical, financial and programmatic viability, including support for overall health care redesign.
“The recovery and advancement of the health care system in the Gulf Coast is a vital component of long-term economic recovery,” said Chairman Don Powell, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding. “This announcement is another example of the Administration’s continued commitment to rebuilding this critical region.”
The downtown site must now undergo a mandatory environmental assessment, along with another site under consideration located 4.5 miles away in Jefferson Parish. At the conclusion of the review, a final decision on the site and acquisition of the land will be concluded.
This year, VA expects to spend more than $1.2 billion in Louisiana for the state’s 350,000 veterans. VA operates major medical centers in Alexandria and Shreveport, eight community-based outpatient clinics, Vets Centers in Kenner and Shreveport and a nursing home in Alexandria.
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