Congressman David G. Valadao Responds to New Bakersfield VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Lease Award

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David G. Valadao released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) lease contract awarded for a long-awaited new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Bakersfield, California:

“Our local veteran community has waited over a decade for an updated facility in Bakersfield. Despite frustrating delays in the promised project, I am happy to see the VA move forward with the new CBOC,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley veterans deserve the highest quality of care, and it is critical this projected is completed without further delay.”  

In 2009, Congress authorized the VA outpatient clinic lease project for Bakersfield, California to provide veterans with primary care, mental health, audiology, radiology, and women’s health services. The VA initially took five years to award the project which has since endured several significant delays and changes. The lease contract awarded by the VA this week will be for a 20 year-term.

In March, Congressman Valadao discussed the CBOC project with representatives from the VA during a hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. During this hearing, he raised several concerns surrounding the facility’s delays and the needs of local veterans, pressing the VA to take immediate action to move the project forward.  

The award notice can be found here.

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