Perlmutter, Udall and Bennet Issue Statement  -- "Cause for Celebration - Not Shovels"

Denver, CO - Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet commended the Department of Veterans Affairs and joint venture contractor Kiewit Turner for finally signing the contract to begin construction for the new VA Medical Center at Fitzsimons in Aurora, Colorado.  After over two years of delays since the official groundbreaking ceremony with Secretary Shinseki, dirt will finally be turned on this new state-of-the-art medical center to replace the existing Denver Medical Center.  The new 182 bed VA Medical Center will have a dedicated spinal cord injury unit, nursing home and comprehensive in and out-patient services.  (SEE VA PRESS RELEASE ATTACHED)

"It's time to turn dirt and build this hospital we've promised our Veterans for over a decade," said Perlmutter.   "I look forward to witnessing this project in action on Monday with veterans from around the region. Thankfully, we will be there to celebrate and not shovel. I'm glad the VA and Kiewit Turner worked through the contract details, signed the agreement and are ready to proceed with construction."

"I'm glad the VA and Kiewit-Turner put pen to paper so that actual digging can finally start on the facility. The veterans, the surrounding community and elected officials have put a lot of time and work into this project and it's heartening to see our efforts pay off to get the process moving again,” Udall said. “Colorado veterans deserve to get a medical center that can adequately take care of them, and I'll keep watching to make sure they get what they were promised."

“Now that the contract is signed, we need to start turning dirt and provide Colorado veterans with a state-of-the-art, stand-alone hospital to call their own,” said Bennet. “It’s taken far too long to get to this point, but I’m pleased the VA is making good on its promise to provide Colorado veterans with the world-class medical facility they have earned, fought for and deserve.”

Perlmutter will join veterans from around the region at the construction site of the new VA Medical Center on Monday, Nov. 21.  Below are details of the event:

WHAT:        Veterans Administration Hospital Construction Event

WHEN:       November 21, 2011 - 11:00 am

WHERE:    West Lot, 13929 E. 17th Place

                   Aurora, CO

                   Parking will be provided -- details to follow.

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