Washington, DC – Monday, New Mexico Representatives Martin Heinrich, Harry Teague, and Ben Ray Lujan announced that $4,022,680 in recovery funding is headed to New Mexico to improve the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospital in Albuquerque and the national cemeteries in Ft. Bayard and Santa Fe. In addition, the VA will make a one-time payment of $250 to eligible Veterans and survivors to mitigate the effects of the current economy.
“It was imperative that we direct this much-needed funding to improve our Veterans’ medical care and facilities,” said Representative Heinrich. “New Mexico’s Veterans have earned and deserve the best possible care.”
“This funding represents a renewed commitment to the health and well being of the over 190,000 veterans living in New Mexico,” said Congressman Harry Teague. “We must do everything we can to address the urgent needs of our veterans, the funding provided in the recovery package will begin to alleviate some of the immediate healthcare and transportation needs of our veterans.”
"Our veterans have earned and deserve high quality care and service. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help veterans throughout New Mexico get the services they have earned and deserve by keeping our country safe," said Congressman Ben Ray Lujan.
The renovation funding for New Mexico’s VA includes a specific allocation of $1 million for energy conservation measures. There is also $500,000 for a telehealth program that makes it easier for Veterans in rural areas to meet and consult with doctors without having to incur travel expenses.
Additionally, the VA will make a one-time payment of $250 dollars to eligible Veterans and survivors to mitigate the effects of the current economy.
To be eligible for the $250 payment, VA beneficiaries must have received compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation, or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. No application is necessary to receive the one-time $250 payment. The VA will use its existing payment records to determine eligibility.