VA will begin developing a master plan for the Leestown campus that will include construction of a single floor 60-bed nursing home; a 30-bed domiciliary, and, a new outpatient building to meet the current and anticipated needs of Kentucky veterans.
“New state-of-the-art facilities at Leestown will ensure that veterans in this area continue to receive world-class health care well into the 21st century,” said Nielsen.
The new facilities will be located on vacant land on the southeastern portion of the 135-acre campus. VA will also explore partnerships with the private sector to generate revenue by leasing under-used buildings at Leestown, once the new facilities are completed and occupied.
The Leestown campus decision was a result of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) review process, which began in 2004 to upgrade VA health care facilities across the country.
In Kentucky, VA spent more than $1 billion last year to serve the state’s 350,000 veterans. The department operates major medical centers in Louisville and Lexington, 12 community-based outpatient clinics, two Vet Centers and seven national cemeteries.
