VA Passes on Old Welborn Building
By: Web Producer
Updated: February 12, 2008
News Release:
From: Evansville Mayors Office
Walker Building Will Not House New VA Clinic
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – The Department of Veterans Affairs has informed the City of Evansville that a “preferred site” has been chosen for a new VA Clinic in Evansville, and that the site will not be the Walker Building at the former Welborn Hospital. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the Walker Building, “...does not meet the necessary criteria for a new state-of-the-art clinic for area veterans.” The VA says an announcement of the clinic site is pending.
Mayor Weinzapfel has written Congressman Brad Ellsworth about his concerns and the reasoning behind the VA’s decision not to utilize the Walker Building. “I am extremely disappointed that the VA ignored the wishes of the community,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “I believe Congress should mandate that the VA pay attention to the desires of local residents and at least consider renovating existing facilities and building in highly distressed areas when they analyze future projects.”
Both City and County government have passed resolutions endorsing the Walker Building as a location for the VA Clinic. Mayor Weinzapfel has repeatedly expressed to the VA that it’s an ideal location for the new clinic because it will aid our downtown revitalization efforts by utilizing an existing, vacant building. In addition, the facility is a fully modernized health care clinic and completely suited for use by the VA.
