Contact: Dan Gage (Walsh) at 315-423-5657
  Gordon Sclar (Syracuse VAMC) at 315-425-2422

WALSH: CONGRESS TO OKAY LARGER EXPANSION PROJECT AT THE SYRACUSE VA MEDICAL CENTER
Total Cost to Reach $77 Million for New Spinal Cord Injury Center and Related Facilities

(Syracuse, New York)- Congressman Jim Walsh today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives is prepared to authorize expanded facility additions to the Syracuse VA Medical Center.  Expected Congressional action will authorize expenditures of $77.7 million for the Spinal Cord Injury Center project addition.

Previous approval had capped expenses at $54 million, but recent studies commissioned by the VA concluded current parking facilities are not consistent with the needs of the new center.  The project's increased costs will allow for the addition of expanded parking facilities, including an enclosed parking garage, walkway and elevator.

"Six hundred veteran spinal cord injury patients live across New York State and currently have to travel out of state or to New York City for inpatient care," said Walsh.  "This project will elevate the scope and quality of care offered at the Syracuse VA, and its construction will have a significant impact on the local economy.  It's important that related services meet the needs of SCI patients and their families.  Adequate, accessible parking is certainly an important consideration."

On July 20th, the House Veterans Affairs Committee favorably reported H.R. 5815, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2006, which authorizes a boost in project funding at the Syracuse VAMC.  With the committee action, H.R. 5815 now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration, tentatively scheduled for early September.

In addition to authorizing increased expenditures at the Syracuse VAMC, the legislation also authorizes the construction or rehabilitation of major VA medical centers in Biloxi/Gulfport, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, Charleston, South Carolina, Denver, Colorado, and Orlando, Florida as well as the addition of new outpatient clinics and facility upgrades all across the country.

In FY 2005, Congressman Walsh, as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for funding all veteran healthcare, included $53.9 million in his annual VA spending package for the project's construction.  H.R. 5318 will now allow him the ability to secure additional resources in subsequent appropriations legislation to meet the expanded project's new costs.

In addition to the new parking facility, facility improvements to the Syracuse VAMC will include the construction of a 30-inpatient bed SCI unit, to be primarily located on the 4th floor of the existing VA Medical Center on Irving Avenue.  Included is the construction of a new six-story, 108,000 square foot addition to the medical center to house a portion of the SCI Center, the relocation and expansion of operating room facilities, and various affiliated outpatient programs.

"We are thrilled with this additional support," stated Syracuse VA Medical Center Director James Cody.  "Comprehensive healthcare for SCI veterans will now happen with the construction of this new six floor addition and renovation of the 4th Floor.  In addition to the SCI Unit, the new structure will include six new operating rooms, two special procedure rooms, and expanded space for specialty outpatient services, thereby benefiting thousands of other Center New York veterans who use the Syracuse VA every day.  Congressman Walsh has recognized this urgent need and had thoroughly supported our efforts to improve the care and services provided to our veterans.  For this, our Central New York veterans are truly grateful."

The project is slated to begin construction in early 2007. 

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