WASHINGTON (Nov. 25, 2008) – In a public event held today in New
Orleans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the State of
Louisiana jointly announced the selection of adjacent downtown sites for
construction of their replacement medical center projects. The two
projects, called the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Louisiana
State University Academic Medical Center, restore greatly needed health
care capability lost in New Orleans during flooding after Hurricane
Katrina in late August 2005.

“Restoring a full capability medical center for our veterans in New
Orleans and southeastern Louisiana is one of the Secretary’s highest
priorities,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H.
Mansfield. “Site selection is a key milestone in the project delivery
process.”

“VA selected the downtown site because it offers the best solution for
our veterans, today and into the future,” Mansfield added. “The site,
located within a robust medical district with affiliate health care
teaching universities, promotes long term operational synergy and
efficiency. The selected site aligns with the City of New Orleans and
State of Louisiana Hurricane Katrina recovery and redevelopment plans.”