WALSH STATEMENT ON CANANDAIGUA VA CARES ANNOUNCEMENT

(Palmyra, New York)- Today's announcement that the current VA Medical Center in Canandaigua will be maintained and modernized for inpatient and outpatient health care services is the right decision.  I commend Secretary Nicholson for coming to that conclusion after close review and consideration.

Most importantly, this is a win for the 16,000 area veterans who rely upon the Canandaigua VA for healthcare.  In addition, the facility is a major employer with a budget of approximately $61 million and has a strong economic impact on the region.  Finally, this decision preserves the historic and tranquil setting of the facility while authorizing new construction to upgrade and improve the delivery of veterans' healthcare services.

Multiple people must be recognized for their efforts in securing today's decision, primarily veterans advocate Ralph Calabrese and former Congressman Amo Houghton who chairs the local Advisory Panel. 

I also have high praise for Congressman Randy Kuhl who has not backed off of this fight on behalf of New York veterans.  Through Randy's determination and my role as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee with oversight over the VA, we've been fortunate to be able to press our case before the highest VA decision makers.

I look forward to participating in another announcement very soon that will provide clear details on the progress of my efforts to establish a Center of Excellence in Mental Healthcare at the Canandaigua VAMC.

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