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| September 9, 2006 | Courier Journal
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Bids sought on design for VA's medical center
By Laura Ungar
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for bids from architectural and engineering firms for planning and design of a new veterans hospital in Louisville.
That's good news to John Sterner of Louisville, a 59-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran.
"The quicker they start, the better," he said. "It's going to be great not only for the Korean and Vietnam veterans but for the young ones too."
In June, U.S. Rep. Anne Northup and VA officials announced plans to replace the aging Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Zorn Avenue with a state-of-the-art hospital containing 135 to 150 beds. A VA report pointed to "significant fire and life safety issues" with the current hospital.
Northup said in a statement that the progress is good news for veterans, who number more than 64,000 in Jefferson County.
"I could not be more pleased that the process is moving forward quickly," she said.
After firms bid, a VA panel is expected to evaluate applicants and choose five or six to interview, Northup said. A firm would then be selected and the cost of the contract negotiated.
Northup said recently that she expects a site to be chosen by the end of the year. She also said she expects the new hospital to be closely tied to the three hospital systems downtown and the University of Louisville's medical school.
Some veterans disagree with moving the hospital downtown, however, citing parking and other concerns.
Replacing Louisville's hospital is part of President Bush's plan to modernize the VA system, which has not opened a new hospital in 13 years. New hospitals also are planned in Las Vegas, Orlando, Denver and Pittsburgh, where an existing medical center is being expanded.
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