Lafayette, LA – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr. MD (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement after reviewing the Alexandria Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center’s announcement regarding health clinics in South Louisiana:

“We are making progress to ensure veterans across South Louisiana receive the care they deserve,” Boustany said. “This announcement is welcome news for veterans and their families throughout South Louisiana. I am committed to working closely with veterans groups in the area to improve their access to vital health care services.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs released the following statement regarding the VA clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles:

Lafayette: The Alexandria VAMC has selected an offeror and we are preparing for negotiations with the offeror. We are currently reviewing the offeror’s floor plan and establishing VAMC objectives which will be presented to the offeror at a date to be determined. Negotiations of price will not commence until a floor plan arrangement is determined acceptable and agreed to by both parties.

Negotiations usually last between 30 to 45 days. Upon agreement of a reasonable price, a lease contract will be drafted and submitted to Regional Counsel, VISN Network Contracting and Real Property Office for review and approval prior to both party’s signage on the contract. This review process will take 30 or more calendar days.

Lake Charles: Primary care and mental health components of the building have been negotiated with the selected offeror. Alexandria VAMC staff met in Lake Charles with the selected offeror on Tuesday, July 19^th, with revisions needed for the specialty care area. The offeror will be given two weeks to finalize drawings then contract negotiations can begin. After a price is negotiated/agreed upon, an appraisal of the building/property is required to ensure price reasonableness (15-20 calendar days). Because of the dollar value (greater than $5 million) a “draft” copy of the contract must be submitted to Regional Counsel, VISN Network Contracting and Real Property for approval. This will take 30 or more calendar days.

To expand the facility in Lafayette and add a new clinic in Lake Charles, Boustany has worked closely with Veterans Affairs officials in Louisiana, including Alexandria VA Medical Center Director Gracie Specks.  Boustany has organized meetings with interested parties, sent letters to officials in support of the projects and met with officials to discuss the importance of the clinics.

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