Historic Investment Targets Aging Infrastructure at Bedford Charter Township Healthcare Campus

*BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is set to receive nearly $14.5 million in federal funding to modernize, repair, and improve buildings on its campus, according to the office of Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI). The announcement comes as part of a historic $4.8 billion* allocation from the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program, marking the largest such investment in the program's history.

The funding represents a significant step forward in addressing the aging infrastructure that has long plagued VA facilities nationwide. The Battle Creek VA Medical Center, located in Bedford Charter Township near Battle Creek, will use the funds to tackle some of the most critical maintenance issues affecting veterans' care delivery.

"I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA," said Congressman Bill Huizenga. "Our veterans deserve the best care available, and that can't happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care."

Specific Upgrades Include HVAC Systems, Elevator Replacement, and Building Safety Enhancements

The $14,497,160 in funding will be directed toward a comprehensive list of facility improvements identified during a tour of the medical center by VA Secretary Doug Collins in 2025. The upgrades are designed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery at one of Michigan's premier VA medical facilities.

The specific improvements planned for the Battle Creek campus include:

  • Enhanced HVAC systems to modernize heating and cooling infrastructure
  • Improved overall building safety measures across multiple facilities
  • Elevator replacement in multiple buildings across the campus
  • Two additional sump pumps to improve water management and prevent flooding issues

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

Non-Recurring Maintenance Program Targets One-Time Infrastructure Projects

The NRM Program was announced by the Trump administration in January 2026, representing a major shift in how VA facilities approach maintenance and modernization. Unlike routine, recurring maintenance that keeps facilities operating day-to-day, the NRM Program specifically targets significant maintenance, replacements, or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.

The $4.8 billion total allocation marks the largest investment ever in this program, signaling a federal commitment to addressing the backlog of maintenance issues that have accumulated at VA facilities over decades.

"These projects include maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain the facility, and advance health care delivery," Huizenga explained. "These are one-time investments that will have lasting impacts on veterans' care and the operational efficiency of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center."

Impact on Veterans and Care Delivery

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center serves veterans from across western Michigan, including residents of Kalamazoo County, Calhoun County, Allegan County, and Van Buren County. The facility provides critical health care services to thousands of veterans annually, and improvements to its infrastructure will directly enhance the patient experience and care delivery.

Upgrading HVAC systems will improve air quality and temperature control throughout the campus, creating a more comfortable environment for patients and staff. Replacing aging elevators will ensure reliable transportation between floors, reducing wait times and improving accessibility for veterans with mobility challenges.

The installation of additional sump pumps will help manage water intrusion and flooding risks, protecting equipment and facilities from water damage while preventing disruptions to care delivery.

"Improved facilities, equipment, and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans," Collins emphasized. "These funds will enable VA to achieve that goal, and the Battle Creek VA Medical Center stands ready to serve our nation's veterans with dignity and excellence."

Congressional Support and Local Impact

Congressman Bill Huizenga, who represents Michigan's 2nd congressional district, has been a vocal advocate for veterans' health care in the House of Representatives. His announcement of this funding comes as part of his broader efforts to support military and veteran communities in his district.

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center campus includes various specialized care units and clinics that serve veterans with diverse health needs. The facility's location in Bedford Charter Township makes it accessible to veterans throughout western Michigan, and the proposed upgrades will benefit patients from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Holland, and surrounding communities.

This investment demonstrates the federal government's commitment to modernizing VA facilities and ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality care possible. The NRM Program represents a paradigm shift in how VA facilities approach infrastructure maintenance, moving from reactive repairs to proactive investments in facility modernization.