The House passed, by unanimous consent, legislation to allow work on the Department of Veterans Affairs Denver Hospital Project to continue for several more weeks. The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, introduced by Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), increases funding for the project by $100 million. The Senate is expected to pass this legislation before adjourning for the Memorial Day recess. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently found that the project will cost about $1.7 billion to complete, $1.1 billion more than the initial cost estimate.
The temporary extension passed its House vote shortly after AGC sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner urging him to pass a short-term extension of funding for the project. In its letter, AGC noted that, without question, the Veterans Administration has mismanaged this project to the detriment of veterans and the American taxpayers. However, a framework is in place that will allow construction on the project to continue with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acting as the construction manager. This framework should be given the opportunity to succeed before Congress walks away from a $600 million investment, AGC urged. AGC also noted that the short-term extension will provide Congress time to consider long-term reforms to the VA construction program.
AGC met with VA Secretary Robert McDonald last month to discuss AGC’s concerns with the agency’s construction program. AGC has called for significant, long-term reforms of the VA construction program and continues to meet with members of Congress on this important issue.
For more information, please contact Jimmy Christianson at christiansonj@agc.org or (703)-837-5325. Return to Top