WASHINGTON (February 8, 2008) – Congressman Ben Chandler announced today that the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Cooper Drive will receive over $9 million to renovate and update its emergency room and modernize its antiquated surgical units.

“These modernizations will greatly enhance the services this facility is able to provide to veterans in our community,” said Congressman Chandler.

Last year, Congress passed the single largest funding increase in the VA’s 77-year history. This increase represented the first time that the federal government had ever met the Independent Budget request prepared by veterans’ service organizations. The added funding, an increase of $6.7 billion above last year’s level, helps address the VA’s repair and maintenance needs to improve the conditions of facilities across the country.

“I am so pleased that Central Kentucky veterans will benefit from the added funding in this year’s veterans appropriations bill,” said Chandler. “We are seeing real results from this Congress’ commitment to our veterans.”

The funding comes from the Veterans’ Health Administration’s Minor Construction Project which covers construction projects under $10 million. Congress provided $509 million for the Minor Construction Project account, an amount more than double the President’s request. The modernization of the Lexington VA Medical Center was awarded through a competitive application process in which the projects were evaluated and scored based on the VA’s Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) criteria.

“There is no doubt the increase in funding went a long way in making this project and many others possible,” said Chandler.  “For all the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country, we have a duty to provide them with first-class care when they return home.”

####