Metro East Sun

U.S. Representative Mike Bost has announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will allocate an additional $800 million this year for infrastructure upgrades. The funding is intended to improve the Marion VA Medical Center and the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks facilities in St. Louis, focusing on renovations and new medical equipment for local veterans.

"Southern Illinois veterans deserve the highest standard of support," said Bost. "These upgrades can make a life-changing difference for veterans in need of cutting-edge care. As Chairman of the House Veteran Affairs’ Committee, I’ll continue working closely with the Trump administration to get our local VA facilities the resources they need to serve those who served our country."

VA Secretary Doug Collins stated, "This is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors we are charged with serving. Improved facilities, equipment, and infrastructure means better care for veterans, and these additional funds will help us achieve that goal."

The planned upgrades at Marion VA Medical Center include renovating patient privacy and intensive care units, a room for a new Spect CT machine, relocating the endoscopy unit, and upgrading electronic health records systems.

John Cochrane Veterans Hospital will see enhancements such as creating a new GI anesthesia procedure room, conducting hazardous material abatements, repairing the energy plant cooling tower, and performing electrical testing, maintenance, and repairs.

Jefferson Barracks improvements involve establishing an emergency medical surgical ward, conducting hazardous material abatements, upgrading data center infrastructure, and correcting campus features and safety issues.