U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says lawmakers have authorized seven new medical facilities for veterans in Florida.
Nelson said in a news release Wednesday that the new Veterans Affairs facilities will be located in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tampa and Lakeland, with two in Gainesville. A total of 28 around the country were approved. Some are replacements for clinics already operating, while others are new.
In Tampa, $13.3 million was authorized for a replacement mental health clinic.
By law, Congress must approve any VA leases that would result in an average rental payment of more than $1 million per year.
Also in the legislation:
- $10.7 million for a clinic in Lakeland
- $12.2 million for a replacement outpatient clinic in Daytona Beach
- $12.2 million for a new medical and a new mental health clinic in Gainesville
- $5 million for a clinic in Ocala
- $18.6 million to replace an outpatient clinic in Jacksonville
The legislation authorizing the new Florida facilities was included in a larger veterans' health care bill. The measure, which was approved by the House last week, heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.
More than 1.5 million military veterans call Florida home.
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