Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4) released the following statement today announcing that the Pahrump veterans clinic project will move forward:

Today, Senator Harry Reid and Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) announced that newly confirmed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald has signed off on relevant paperwork to begin the permitting process for the construction of a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Pahrump, Nevada.

The Request for Authorization to Relocate and Expand the Pahrump, Nevada CBOC was approved by Secretary McDonald on August 5th, 2014. This approval green-lights the lease of approximately 9,800 net usable square feet of clinic space. The size and scope of the clinic required sign off from the Secretary and previously led to a delay in the project.

“I am pleased Secretary McDonald has fulfilled his commitment to our veterans in Pahrump who have been waiting for too long for this new clinic,” said Senator Reid. “Congressman Horsford and I will continue to work together to ensure that the Pahrump clinic is completed to  guarantee our nation’s veterans always have access to their benefits.”

“I am extremely pleased that the VA has approved construction of this critical clinic,” said Horsford. “Our veterans in Pahrump should not have to make a two-hour round-trip trek to North Las Vegas in order to receive the care they need and deserve.”

In a meeting arranged by Senator Reid to discuss issues with VA services in Nevada, Congressman Horsford voiced concerns over delays in construction of the Pahrump clinic. At that mid-June meeting, the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs, Joan Mooney promised completion of the project in a timely manner.

“For far too long, this issue was mired in bureaucratic muck. All we needed to move forward was a signature on a piece of paper.  I applaud Secretary McDonald for taking quick action less than a week since being confirmed as the new Secretary of the VA. As a result of his responsiveness and attention to veterans, we will be better able to serve those who have bravely served our country.”

Groundbreaking and construction are expected by the end of this year as contracting and bidding are finalized.