Secretary Shinseki Announces $3.3 Million for New Orleans Contract Will Prepare Site for New Facility

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2010) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.
Shinseki has announced the award of a $3.3 million contract by the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for pre-construction services for
VA's new medical center in New Orleans.

"This contract brings VA's health care system closer to the Veterans of
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast," said Secretary Shinseki. "The contract
is proof of VA's commitment to Louisiana's Veterans, to provide them
with 21st century, Veteran-centric care."

This is the first of several contracts to provide a new state-of-the-art
VA medical center consisting of an inpatient hospital, outpatient
clinic, diagnostic and treatment facility, rehabilitation facility,
administrative space and research laboratories.

The contract also calls for a 2,000-car parking garage, energy plant,
utilities, road and lighting.  The new VA medical center will be located
on Canal Street in the mid-city section of New Orleans.

Last year, VA spent nearly $1.5 billion in Louisiana on behalf of the
state's 312,000 Veterans.  VA operates medical centers in Alexandria and
Shreveport, plus outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the state and
three national cemeteries.