WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced July 28 the immediate creation of a site selection committee to determine the best location for a new VA medical center in metropolitan Orlando.
"This project will make it easier for Florida's veterans to access VA's world-class health care system," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "The new Orlando medical center will continue our proud tradition of serving America's heroes."
The site selection team will consist of VA staff from Orlando, VA's regional health care network and the Department's headquarters in Washington, D.C. Nicholson said he anticipates the process for identifying appropriate sites will take approximately three months.
VA announced plans in May 2004 to build a new facility in Orlando. The medical center, with over 1 million square feet, will have 134 inpatient beds, expanded outpatient services, a nursing home and a domiciliary. The $350 million center is expected to open in five years.
Nicholson also announced the selection of RLF/Ellerbe Becket, a joint venture architectural and engineering team from Winter Park, Fla., to design the Department's new medical center in Orlando.
Last year, VA spent about $4.5 billion for benefits and programs for Florida's 1.8 million veterans. The Department operates six major medical centers in Florida, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers throughout the state.
