WASHINGTON – Fulfilling a commitment to Nevada veterans, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today joined with Interior Secretary Gale Norton and U.S. Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) to announce the location of a new $295-million, full-service medical center in North Las Vegas, near the intersection of Pecos Road and Route 215.
“As promised, we’re moving forward with this state-of-the-art health care facility, reflecting our commitment to Nevada veterans who have served our nation in uniform,” said Secretary Principi. “With this decision, Nevada veterans are an important step closer to having 21st century health care in a 21st century facility.”
“Today’s announcement represents our recognition of veterans’ sacrifices and our commitment to providing the quality medical care they have earned,” said Sen. John Ensign. “The fact that so many veterans call Nevada home is a source of great pride for our state, and our ability to meet their medical needs is a vital obligation we are working hard to meet. This is a great day for Nevada‘s veterans and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“I commend Secretary Principi for showing great vision and determination in developing a state-of-the-art medical facility for our veterans,” Secretary Norton said. “This is a unique cooperative effort, and I can’t imagine a more important use of our public land than providing our veterans with the quality medical care they need and deserve as a result of their wonderful service to this country.”
The site, now owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), would be home to a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, including a 90-bed hospital, a 120-bed nursing home, a full complement of diagnostic and treatment services and a Veterans Benefits Office. VA and BLM, in cooperation with the City of North Las Vegas, have identified approximately 120 acres of land to transfer. Outpatient care would be offered at the new facility and at sites around the city.
Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2006 and end in the summer of 2009. The site is bounded by Route 215, Pecos Road, Lamb Boulevard and Centennial Parkway. VA will acquire the land from BLM at no cost, significantly reducing the cost of the overall project.
“Today’s event is a great example of cooperation between the agencies of the federal government to enhance the lives of our veterans, and between the federal, state and local governments to achieve that same noble objective,” Principi said. “I’m especially appreciative of Secretary Norton and her commitment to use the resources of the Department of the Interior to enhance health care for Nevada‘s veterans.”
In May, Principi announced plans to create a new medical facility in the Las Vegas area. Once the medical center is operational, VA will retain certain other outpatient clinics in metropolitan Las Vegas to ensure geographic balance in access to health care for veterans. VA will also continue to share health care resources with Nellis Air Force Base.
Demographic studies and patients’ demand for services will be used to determine the exact mix of outpatient facilities and sharing arrangements with the Air Force.
The Interior Department will publish a proposed notice of intent to transfer in The Federal Register today. The public will have 90 days to submit written comments, request meetings, provide suggestions or objections in connection with the proposed land transfer in writing to:
BLM Nevada State Director
P. O. Box 12000
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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