Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Salem VA Health Care System has received additional funding for infrastructure improvements as part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Non-recurring Maintenance program during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.
The Salem-based system previously received funding during the first quarter of the fiscal year. The latest allocation is part of a record $4.8 billion nationwide investment through the Veterans Health Administration to modernize, repair and improve VA health care facilities during FY2026.
Projects funded at the Salem VA Medical Center include upgrades and replacement of HVAC systems in outpatient clinical and administrative spaces, installation of new energy efficient windows in five buildings, and the installation of a new fire pump controller designed to maintain reliable water pressure during fire emergencies.
Additional projects include renovating shell space to create 16 office workstations for staff, continuing tile floor renovations in 20 private patient restrooms in a medical-surgical unit, and continuing installation of upgraded gas and groundwater monitoring wells at the medical center landfill to meet environmental safety standards established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Tammy Snyder, interim director of the health care system, said the funding will help ensure the facilities remain modern and efficient for veterans across Southwest Virginia.
“This funding allows the Salem VA Health Care System to continue modernizing and improving, so our facilities remain safe, efficient, and equipped to provide high-quality care for our Veterans across Southwest Virginia,” Snyder said.
According to the VA, $1.064 billion of the total $4.8 billion committed for FY2026 has already been obligated. That includes $795 million for repairs and infrastructure upgrades at medical facilities, $255 million for modernization projects tied to future electronic health record updates, and $13 million for major building upgrades such as elevators, electrical systems and boiler plants.
The VA also highlighted several national accomplishments tied to ongoing investments, including enrollment of more than 100,000 new veterans in VA health care during 2026, the opening of 34 new VA health care facilities since Jan. 20, 2025, and a reduction in the veterans benefits backlog by 67% since that date.
The department reported completing more than 82 million direct care appointments during FY2025, while also permanently housing nearly 52,000 homeless veterans nationwide during the fiscal year.