Federal Funding to Modernize Facilities and Improve Veteran Care

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is set to receive nearly $14.5 million in federal funding to revitalize buildings on its campus, according to the office of Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI). The investment will be used to enhance critical systems throughout the medical center's facilities.

The funding comes through the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program, which was announced by the Trump administration in January at a total allocation of $4.8 billion nationwide. The NRM program specifically funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment, or infrastructure that fall outside routine, recurring maintenance operations.

What the Money Will Build

Congressman Huizenga outlined the specific projects that will be funded with the $14,497,160 grant:

  • HVAC System Improvements — Significant upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across multiple buildings
  • Elevator Replacement — New elevators in multiple buildings throughout the campus
  • Building Safety Enhancements — Overall improvements to maintain facility safety and operational capability
  • Additional Sump Pumps — Installation of two new sump pumps to improve water management

"These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery," said Congressman Huizenga.

VA Secretary's Commitment

The announcement follows a visit by VA Secretary Doug Collins to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in 2025. Collins toured the facility during the previous year, during which he identified the specific upgrades needed.

Secretary Collins emphasized the administration's commitment to veterans during the funding announcement:

"Under President Trump, VA is putting Veterans first, and this historic investment underscores that fact. Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable VA to achieve that goal."

Why This Matters for Veterans

Improving the VA's facilities and infrastructure is considered crucial to providing better care for veterans. The $14.5 million in funding represents a significant investment in the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, a major healthcare facility serving veterans across Calhoun County and the surrounding region.

The funding was officially announced on March 31, 2026, and the projects are expected to enhance the overall patient experience and care delivery at the medical center. These improvements address aging infrastructure that requires modernization to ensure the facility can continue to provide quality healthcare services to veterans in Southwest Michigan.

Broader Federal Investment

The Battle Creek VA grant is part of a larger national effort. The Trump administration's $4.8 billion NRM program allocation aims to address major one-time projects across the VA healthcare system rather than funding ongoing, routine maintenance. The program focuses on critical infrastructure improvements that directly impact patient care and facility safety.

The specific upgrades needed at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center were identified by VA leadership during their facility tour last year, ensuring that the funding addresses the most pressing infrastructure challenges at the medical center.