VA Hospital gets infusion of ARRA funds

The economic stimulus package will provide a much-needed economic boost to the community and better service for Veterans, according to a VA spokesperson.

A total of $462,654 will be invested in improvements at the San Juan VA Medical Center. $219,000 will be used to replace ELC elevators, $62,109 is committed to a study to address issues on the main water distribution center and $181,545 is earmarked to replace the sanitary system.

The medical center serves a base of Veterans in the area that includes more than 80,000 who have enrolled in VA's comprehensive benefits package.

In addition to local projects around the country, VA is targeting nearly one-quarter of its $1.4 billion in stimulus funding to investments in clean energy generation and energy conservation.

Another provision of the law allowed VA to hire nearly 2,300 staff in offices that process financial benefits claims. They will support VA efforts to reduce the time it takes VA to process claims so that Veterans will receive benefits quicker.

“These funds are coming to us at a remarkable time, as we continue to make improvements to our hospital that will benefit our veterans,” said director Wanda Mims. “At the same time, these Recovery Act funds are providing jobs for men and women who really need them.”

Companies interested in vying for VA-related contracts can get information at www.va.gov.