EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — El Paso leaders celebrated the groundbreaking Wednesday for a new $617 million Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Several veterans marked the occasion.
“I've had that plus good care and timely care,” veteran Alex Arce said, “but I know some other veterans have issues with not having enough experts in certain areas.”
Arce said he's happy with the care he's received from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which oversees the new center, but it's not for everyone.
In terms of the services and care they receive, some say it's not very good, some say it's good, I think it all depends on who is providing the services.
By doubling its size and adding staff, the center is expected to provide services and better access to medical care for more than 54,000 veterans in the El Paso area and reduce patient wait times.
Rep. Veronica Escobar and Rep. Tony Gonzales joined the celebration.
“In West Texas, and especially El Paso, services for our veterans have long been delayed and lacking,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
“There's going to be a lot of new services being provided because of the work that's being done on the other side of care,” Escobar said.
Other veterans said they believe the new facility will attract specialists who are in short supply in the area.
“We have more providers now so we don't have to wait as long and I think things will improve over time,” David Garcia said.
Garcia, the veteran, said VA services have improved over the years and he thinks the trend will continue.
“That's because back then things weren't working the way they should be, like they are now.”
Officials say the new facility is expected to be completed in 2029 or 2030 and will be built across from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
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