On Monday, March 30, U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that the Battle Creek VA Medical Center would receive almost $14.5 million for modernization and building improvements. This funding is part of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) program, which funds non-routine infrastructure projects to modernize VA medical facilities and improve patient care. In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion.
“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.”
“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.”
BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski remarked, “We are grateful to Rep. Huizenga for his support and advocacy for the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. This is a vital community asset, and we appreciate his continued leadership.”
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. In Battle Creek, the funding will be used to update the HVAC systems, replace several elevators, install new sump pumps, and improve building safety.
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center serves veterans in 21 counties of Southwest Michigan, as well as Northern Indiana and Ohio. The facility celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Its 200-acre campus is adjacent to Fort Custer Industrial Park, and across from the Fort Custer Training Center. The facility provides primary care and specialty health services, including treatment for hearing loss, vision loss, dental care, nutrition counseling, hospice and palliative care, mental health services, laboratory services, and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hospital has 211 total operating beds, including 35 mental health beds, 75 community living center beds and 101 rehabilitation treatment beds. In 2025, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center had 1,979 employees and served 46,589 veterans.
For more information, contact Brian Patrick, Communications Director for Congressman Bill Huizenga, at Brian.Patrick@mail.house.gov
