VA Narrows List for Future Orlando Medical Center

July 26, 2006
 

Lake Nona South, International Corporate Park in Running 

WASHINGTON – Orlando-area veterans are another step closer to a new state-of-the-art health care facility to be built by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  The Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, announced today the Department has narrowed its list of potential locations for a new hospital and associated facilities to two area sites.

“VA remains committed to bringing a new medical center to veterans in central Florida,” said Nicholson. “This decision represents another important step toward enhancing veterans’ access to VA’s world-class services in the Sunshine State.”

The two preferred sites, one at Lake Nona Boulevard within the city of Orlando, and the other at International Corporate Park on Bee Line Expressway, will now undergo environmental assessments before VA makes its final selection and negotiates to purchase the parcel.

VA narrowed the list to two sites after a comprehensive evaluation of six locations that were originally under consideration.  Factors in the Department’s evaluation of the sites included accessibility for veterans, physical characteristics of the parcels, and development of the surrounding areas that would complement a VA presence.  

A public hearing was also held in May on the site selection process, giving veterans and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input.

Once the final site is acquired, VA plans call for the construction of a 134-bed hospital, 118-bed nursing home, 60-bed domiciliary, an outpatient clinic and associated facilities.  

The Orlando project will now be integrated into the Secretary's nationwide plan so that a timetable and budget can be established, followed by congressional authorization and funding.

The Orlando decision was made as a result of a study that began in 2004 to upgrade VA’s health care facilities across the country.

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