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ALTOONA -- The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona has received additional federal funding for infrastructure improvements, including repairs to its fire suppression system and renovations to its fourth-floor acute care ward.
The funding was awarded during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Non-Recurring Maintenance program. The medical center also received funding for improvement projects earlier in the year.
The Altoona projects are part of a nationwide $4.8 billion investment by the VA to modernize, repair and improve health care facilities during fiscal year 2026.
"This funding allows the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to continue modernizing and improving our facilities, ensuring they remain safe, efficient and equipped to provide high-quality care for Veterans throughout central Pennsylvania," said Dr. Derek Coughenour, medical center director.
According to the VA, the department obligated the full $4.8 billion available for maintenance projects during the fiscal year.
Fourth-quarter funding included approximately $1.18 billion to repair and upgrade outdated infrastructure systems at VA medical facilities nationwide, along with $938 million for major building improvements, including elevators, electrical systems and boiler plants.
An additional $560 million was designated for facility maintenance and modernization projects intended to support future electronic health record system upgrades.
The VA did not specify how much funding was allocated to the Altoona medical center or provide a timeline for completion of the two projects.
The department said the infrastructure investments are part of broader efforts to improve health care services for veterans nationwide.
According to VA figures, the department completed more than 82 million direct care appointments in fiscal year 2025, a 4.1% increase over the previous year. Community care appointments increased 12% to nearly 60 million during the same period.
The department also reported enrolling more than 300,000 new veterans in VA health care in 2026 and opening 43 additional health care facilities nationwide.
The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center serves veterans throughout central Pennsylvania.