VA, DACC Land Swap Legislation Headed to White House

WASHINGTON – A long awaited land swap between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Illiana Health Care System and Danville Area Community College (DACC) is one signature away from federal approval. Legislation introduced by Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) and championed by Senator Mark Kirk (R, Illinois) was unanimously approved by Congress this month and sent to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

"Our bill cuts through bureaucratic red tape and spares the Danville VA hospital excessive maintenance costs that can now be used to care for Illinois veterans,” said Kirk.

“This bill is a huge win for all parties involved,” added Shimkus. “The VA, DACC and the community as a whole will see the benefits of this common-sense land swap.”  

The VA estimates the bill would save taxpayers nearly $100,000 over 10 years by ceding a  parcel of land and a century old Carnegie Library to the college. In exchange for the land and library, the VA will get a gazebo and a straight property line to more efficiently construct a security fence. 

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