WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently approved $596 million in infrastructure projects during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 as the agency moves forward with what it describes as the largest maintenance budget in its history.
The projects are part of a broader $4.8 billion non-recurring maintenance program aimed at upgrading hospitals, clinics, and support infrastructure across the VA healthcare system.
According to the department, the funding will support repairs, replacements, and modernization projects intended to maintain operational capacity and improve healthcare delivery for veterans.
VA Secretary Doug Collins linked the infrastructure investments to broader administration efforts to expand healthcare access and improve system performance.
Through the second quarter, the VA has obligated approximately $1.064 billion from the fiscal year 2026 maintenance budget.
The department reported that $795 million has been directed toward repairs and upgrades of aging infrastructure systems at medical facilities, while $255 million has been allocated for modernization work supporting future electronic health record system upgrades.
An additional $13 million has been committed to major building upgrades, including elevators, electrical systems, and boiler plants.
The agency also highlighted broader operational metrics tied to veterans’ healthcare and benefits services.
According to the VA, the department has enrolled more than 125,000 new veterans in healthcare programs during 2026 and opened 35 healthcare facilities since January 20, 2025.
The department also reported completing more than 82 million direct-care appointments during fiscal year 2025, a 4.1% increase from the prior year, while offering more than 2.5 million appointments outside standard operating hours.
The VA further stated it permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans during fiscal year 2025, which the agency described as the highest total in seven years.
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