(Washington, DC) Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) met today with officials from the Veterans Administration, officials from the City of Louisville, and representatives from the University of Louisville, and they emerged with more details regarding the process for the site selection of the new VA Hospital.

“This was a very positive and constructive meeting,” Congressman Yarmuth said.  “The picture is coming into focus, and I am more confident than ever that the result will be a top-notch facility that our community will be proud of; one that provides Louisville’s veterans with the best possible care.”

During a previous meeting on February 16, the same VA officials indicated to Yarmuth that 35-50 acres would be needed for the new hospital site.  Such a requirement would have eliminated and workable downtown sites from consideration.  But following Yarmuth’s meeting, which opened up communication between the parties, VA officials showed flexibility in land requirements, enthusiasm for utilizing the University’s resources, and a commitment to the community’s needs.

VA officials accepted Yarmuth’s invitation to tour potential sites in the coming weeks.  Following the tour, the VA will create a list of locations that would suit the hospital’s needs and hold a public forum in Louisville for the community to weigh in on the sites.  These initial steps should be completed by the end of summer.

“For the first time in this process, it seems that everyone is on the same page and working toward common goals,” Yarmuth said.

The new hospital could open by 2012.