Shinseki announces new VA center in New Orleans

By Department of Veterans AffairsMarch 22, 2010

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 22, 2010) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has announced the award of a $3.3 million contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs for pre-construction services for VA's new medical center in New Orleans.

"This contract brings VA's health care system closer to the veterans of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast," said Shinseki. "The contract is proof of VA's commitment to Louisiana's veterans, to provide them with 21st century, veteran-centric care."

This is the first of several contracts to provide a new state-of-the-art VA medical center consisting of an inpatient hospital, outpatient clinic, diagnostic and treatment facility, rehabilitation facility, administrative space and research laboratories.

The contract also calls for a 2,000-car parking garage, energy plant, utilities, road and lighting. The new VA medical center will be located on Canal Street in the mid-city section of New Orleans.

Last year, VA spent nearly $1.5 billion in Louisiana on behalf of the state's 312,000 veterans. VA operates medical centers in Alexandria and Shreveport, La., plus outpatient clinics and Veteran Centers across the state and three national cemeteries.