Secretary Shinseki Announces $19 Million for Columbia, Mo., Facility

Construction Will Expand and Improve Surgical Services

WASHINGTON (Sept. 14, 2009) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.
Shinseki announced the award of a $19 million contract to an Illinois
firm to construct a new surgical suite and renovate existing surgical
support areas within the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in
Columbia, Mo.

"Providing 21st century care to Veterans requires constant investment,"
said Secretary Shinseki. "This new facility will ensure Missouri's
Veterans receive the top-notch care they have earned through their
military service."

The contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides more
than $19.6 million to River City Construction LLC of East Peoria, Ill.,
to construct a 27,000-square-foot surgical suite and renovate 10,000
square feet of existing space for surgical support. The contractor has
three years to complete the work.

Last year, VA spent more than $1.9 billion in Missouri on behalf of the
state's 531,000 Veterans. VA operates five major medical centers in the
state, more than 20 outpatient clinics, Vet Centers in Kansas City and
St. Louis and three national cemeteries.

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