After learning that construction deadlines for the Veterans Administration health clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana, are being pushed back nearly a year, Rep. Charles W. Boustany (R-La.) voiced his displeasure on Tuesday.
“Just when South Louisiana’s veterans are given a chance for optimism, the VA goes back on its word again,” Boustany said. “I am furious this agency would announce such a drastic delay in the construction timeline without consulting with Congress or with local veterans.”
In August, VA Congressional Relations Officer Michael Huff told Boustany that the VA “anticipates completion of construction of Lake Charles in summer 2015, or six months after lease award, and completion of construction in Lafayette in winter 2015/2016, or 12 months after lease award.”
That timeline was abruptly altered during a town hall meeting on Monday night, when a new timeline was introduced to South Louisiana veterans by the Alexandria VA. Completion of construction on the Lake Charles facility has been pushed back to April 2016. First patients would not be seen at the clinic until June 2016. A similar delay was also announced regarding the Lafayette clinic.
“Our veterans were promised these facilities in a timely manner, and they have been counting on the VA to uphold its end of the bargain,” Boustany said. “If the VA thinks they can treat South Louisiana veterans like this and get away with it, they’re wrong.”