WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the acquisition of nearly 21 acres from the Army for a multi-service clinic in Columbus, Ohio, and the award of a contract valued at $87.9 million for the design and construction of the facility.
"This state-of-the-art clinic will ensure that Ohio's veterans continue to receive world-class health care," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "As VA enters a year-long observance of our 75th anniversary, the Chalmers P. Wyler Outpatient Clinic will carry on our proud tradition of serving America's heroes."
The facility will be located on 21.8 acres that have been part of the Defense Supply Center in Columbus. The Department of the Army, which administers the site for the military, transferred the property to VA after completing environmental reviews required by law.
VA awarded a contract for the design and construction of the new clinic to Walsh/DeMaria, a Chicago-based contractor. The new clinic is expected to open in 2008. The clinic will house nearly 50 medical departments that combine primary care and specialty care clinics, including outpatient surgery and imaging.
VA officials originally announced plans for the facility in May 2004 as part of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program, designed to expand access to health care by strengthening the Department's network of more than 850 outpatient clinics.
Last year, VA spent nearly $2.6 billion on benefits and services for Ohio's 1 million veterans. The Department operates major medical centers in Brecksville, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton, plus outpatient clinics and Vet Centers throughout the state.
