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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced last week that it has approved construction of a $250-million veteran’s facility in San Joaquin County that’s expected to serve thousands of vets in need and create 900 jobs.
San Joaquin County is home to more than 42,000 veterans, and the project will include an expanded outpatient clinic and nursing home. In the Central Valley region as a whole, there are more than 80,000 vets. Congressman Jerry McNerney, (D-Pleasanton), who has been lobbying for the facility for years, said it will be a boon to that region’s economy.
“The construction and staffing of the facility is estimated to bring 900 much-needed jobs to the area,” he said.
The VA had been considering San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties as possible locations. The closest veterans center to San Joaquin County is an outpatient clinic in French Camp, followed by Livermore and Palo Alto. A specific location for the new facility, which is anticipated to be completed by 2015, has not been chosen yet.
–Janet Pelletier
–Janet Pelletier
Jerry McNerney states that closing the Livermore Veteran’s Medical Center and moving the Medical Center to San Joaquin Co., will create 900 new jobs for nearby residents. What is going to happen to those already employed at the Livermore facility? Especially to those who cannot and do not have the ability to drive all the way to somewhere in San Joaquin Co? Many of the services at the facility are provided by low wage earners. Therefore, they could not afford the transportation money to travel the new distance. Will they still have jobs or will they join the bread line?
This is a shame, but expected from the VA. Alameda County and City of Livermore fought like crazy to keep the Livermore VA services in Livermore. I don’t know if many of you have been out to the Livermore VA, but it’s beautiful! Sure the buildings are old, but the surrounding area is beautiful. From my understanding the new VA facility in San Joaquin County will force the Veterans to look at a freeway, rather than the turkeys and deer that roam around the Livermore VA.
Thanks to all the Veterans for your service!
My dad spent some time before he passed on in the facility in Livermore and it was absolutely beautiful and very relaxing for him as well as us. What is the reason for shutting it down? Sure seems a shame that we cannot keep it open as the area is beautiful and nice place for our heroes.
It would be a shame to close the Livermore facility. Not only is it a beautiful property but it also supplies jobs to many local residents and a great service to our local vets and their families. Since Martinez closed, this is the only facility in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. There are a lot more Vets in these suburban areas than in rural Central Valley. A new facility in San Joaquin County would be great for the many vets in the Central Valley. If my memory serves, it seems that Congressman McNerney has “flip-flopped” a bit on this subject.