This bill authorizes the construction and funding of a new VA community-based outpatient clinic in Georgetown, Texas.
John Carter
Representative
TX-31
This bill authorizes the construction of a new, major medical facility project: a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for veterans in Georgetown, Texas. It specifically authorizes funding up to \$96,448,066 for this project, to be carried out in fiscal year 2027.
The Georgetown VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Authorization Act of 2026 clears the path for a major medical facility project in Georgetown, Texas. Specifically, Section 2 of the bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to spend up to $96,448,066 to construct a new community-based outpatient clinic. This isn't just a minor renovation; it is classified as a 'major medical facility project,' with the specific funding set to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027. By locking in a price cap and a specific location, the bill sets a concrete blueprint for expanding federal healthcare infrastructure in Central Texas.
For veterans living in the Georgetown area, this bill represents a significant shift from commuting to larger, often overcrowded hubs like Temple or Austin for routine care. A Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is designed to handle primary care and mental health services right in the neighborhood. If you are a veteran managing a chronic condition or needing a regular check-up, this means less time stuck in I-35 traffic and more time at home. The bill specifically authorizes the $96.4 million in Section 2(b), ensuring that the project has a dedicated financial ceiling to prevent the kind of unchecked budget creep that often delays government construction.
The rollout is tied to the 2027 fiscal year, meaning the actual construction and subsequent hiring of medical staff are a few years out. However, once the doors open, the impact stretches beyond just patients. For healthcare professionals in the region—from nurses to administrative staff—this facility creates a new local employer within the VA system. For the local economy, the nearly $100 million investment represents a massive construction contract that will likely involve local trades and vendors. By citing the 'Construction, Major Projects' account for funding, the bill ensures this project is prioritized alongside the VA’s largest national infrastructure goals.