Bills propose funds for new VA hospital

Suzanne Struglinski

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 | 9:36 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- A new veterans hospital proposed in Southern Nevada could get $250 million for construction should legislation introduced in the House and Senate today be approved.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., introduced legislation in the Senate authorizing the funds for the hospital set to be built in Las Vegas. Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi announced plans for a new hospital and nursing home in August. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., introduced the same bill Wednesday in the House.

If approved, the bill would allow Congress to provide the $250 million for construction, which would cover the projected cost, but a separate spending bill would also need to be approved to actually put funds into the project.

"I know the veterans in Nevada could be ecstatic," said John Hempel, director of the VA's health care system in Southern Nevada, should the money be approved.

Principi's announcement included plans for a 120-bed nursing home and 81-bed hospital, based on the VA's patient projections for Las Vegas.

A 15-member commission appointed by Principi still needs to review the plan to build the hospital and take public comments. A public hearing is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 26 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas. The commission will recommend a final plan to Principi for him to accept or reject as a whole.

Reid said more than 240,000 veterans live in Nevada, and more than one-third of Nevada's senior citizens are veterans. He pointed out that more than 110,000 veterans have waited more than six months to get their first medical appointed at the VA.

By 2012 the VA expects 63,000 veterans in Southern Nevada to seek treatment from its facilities, Hempel said.