WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

Congress Looking At Overbudget VA Hospital Construction

Congress is taking a look at veterans hospitals under construction — including the one taking shape in New Orleans.

It comes after a report found some medical centers are taking longer and costing more than estimated.

The House has passed a bill to increase oversight.

The report found some medical centers are taking three years longer to complete than estimated, and costing an extra $366 million per project.

Republican congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado says the Veterans Affairs Department's oversight of construction projects is dysfunctional and leads to delayed health care.

The report comes from the Government Accountability Office.

It found last year that at least four medical centers were behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. In addition to New Orleans, the hospitals are in Las Vegas, Denver and Orlando, Florida.

The House bill would require the VA to appoint a project manager from the Army Corp of Engineers to oversee construction projects that cost more than $60 million.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info