VA Announces North Las Vegas Site for New Medical Center

[CAS3]

VA Announces North Las Vegas Site for New Medical Center

WASHINGTON (Sept. 27, 2004) - 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

[Sparrowhawk]

Think I'll get my medical records transferred there.

Going there in two weeks, so I'll do some recon work, make sure the Vegas showgirls support the veterans facility