(Washington, DC) Congressman John Yarmuth’s (KY-3) announced today that a new Veterans Administration (VA) Health Center in Louisville is one major step closer to reality, with the full Appropriations Committee approving the $45 million he requested for site acquisition and preparation to begin construction.

The future Louisville hospital was the only project not requested by the President to be included in the bill.  This is the first time that money for the hospital has been secured.

“The committee was very sympathetic to the needs of Louisville veterans and were willing to work with me to address their needs,” Congressman Yarmuth said.  “The coalition that I’ve built in Congress in support of this project will help ensure that Louisville offers the best possible care to area veterans and set the standard for medical excellence in the region.”

The funding is included in the FY09 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which will be voted on by the full House of Representatives in the coming weeks.  The Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to consider its version of the bill on July 17.

Late last year, Yarmuth called on President Bush to include funding for Louisville’s new VA hospital in his Administration’s FY09 budget.  When the Administration failed to provide any money, the Louisville lawmaker sought his own funding for the Louisville VA through the House appropriations process.