Lawmakers, VA describe backlog of state veterans home construction grants; some projects may wait years
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Summary
Members pressed VA on a backlog of state veterans home construction projects; VA said project rankings and appropriations determine timing and that hundreds of projects compete for limited federal matching funds, while state officials urged more federal investment.
Representative Dave Taylor (R‑OH) told the subcommittee he represents a district with a state veterans home and asked VA witnesses about a backlog of construction projects that have state funding in place but are waiting for federal matching grants. “These projects ... are ready to go as soon as they receive their matching federal grant,” Taylor said, and he asked whether some sponsors may wait five to ten years at current funding levels.
VA witnesses confirmed a backlog and described the administration’s process for awarding State Home Construction Program grants. Dr. Hartreeff said the program ranks projects dynamically each year and that available appropriations and project priorities determine which applications receive reimbursement. VA said it reimburses states for up to 65% of allowable construction costs and that the number of awards depends on the appropriation in a given fiscal year.
Members and witnesses said the backlog creates challenging conditions for residents and for states seeking to modernize aging facilities. Ed Harries and other state representatives urged Congress to appropriate more construction funding; Harries recommended at least $650 million to address pending projects. Representative Taylor and others proposed legislative ideas to accelerate funding, including repurposing selected federal savings, but no measure was acted on during the hearing.
VA said several projects were scheduled to come online in the next 12–24 months and that during the COVID‑era appropriation spike the agency was able to go further down the list to fund additional renovations (for example, HVAC upgrades to reduce infection risk). Dr. Hartreeff said VA collaborates with states on project prioritization but does not dictate state siting or sizing decisions.
Ending: Lawmakers asked VA for clearer timelines and urged Congress to consider additional appropriations or programmatic changes to shorten wait times; VA reiterated that matching funds and annual appropriations constrain the pace at which projects are awarded.