The Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving $14,497,160 to modernize, repair, and improve buildings across its campus, according to an announcement from the office of Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI).

The funding, revealed on March 30, 2026, comes as part of the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program, which was announced by the Trump administration in January at a record $4.8 billion total allocation.

The NRM program is designed to support one-time maintenance projects at VA facilities across the United States. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements, or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.

Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will receive funding to:

  • Enhance HVAC systems across campus buildings
  • Improve overall building safety
  • Replace aging elevators in multiple buildings across the campus
  • Install two additional sump pumps

"The Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps," Huizenga stated.

"I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA," Huizenga said. "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."

The $14.5 million investment is earmarked to cover maintenance, replacements, or upgrades needed to maintain the facility and advance health care delivery, according to Huizenga's office.

VA Announces Record Non-Recurring Maintenance Allocation

In January 2026, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion for VA facilities nationwide. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment, or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance.

"These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery," Huizenga's office explained.

The program was designed to address critical infrastructure needs at VA healthcare facilities across the country, ensuring veterans receive care in safe, modern, and properly maintained facilities.

Congressional Support for Veterans Healthcare Infrastructure

Rep. Huizenga, who represents Michigan's 4th District, has been a vocal advocate for veterans' healthcare in the 4th District. His office issued a statement emphasizing the importance of infrastructure investment in delivering quality care to veterans.

"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," Huizenga said.

The announcement comes at a time when the VA has been focusing heavily on facility modernization efforts nationwide. The Battle Creek VA serves veterans from Calhoun County and surrounding areas in Southwest Michigan.

What Veterans Can Expect

The funding will address several critical infrastructure issues that have plagued VA facilities across the country:

  • Elevator replacements are essential for maintaining accessibility and safe operations in multi-story medical buildings
  • HVAC system upgrades ensure proper temperature control and air quality throughout facilities
  • Building safety improvements address fire safety, structural integrity, and overall operational security
  • Sump pump installations prevent water damage and flooding in basement areas and lower levels

VA Secretary Doug Collins issued a statement supporting the investment:

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

Non-Recurring Maintenance Program Explained

The Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program is a federal funding mechanism that allows the VA to address one-time maintenance needs that fall outside regular maintenance budgets. These projects typically include:

  • Major equipment replacements
  • Building renovations and upgrades
  • Infrastructure improvements
  • Safety system installations

The program was established to ensure VA facilities remain operational and safe for patients and staff. By funding one-time projects, the VA can address aging infrastructure without disrupting routine maintenance operations.

Sources:

  • https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kzoo-bc/calhoun/multi-million-dollar-investment-announced-for-battle-creek-va-medical-center
  • https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404258
  • https://wkzo.com/2026/03/30/909274