Following
Congressional hearings on the over budget, behind schedule Orlando VA Hospital,
at which VA officials testified that they were “working collaboratively with
the contractor” on delays and cost overruns the Veterans Administration has now
issued a demand to general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie to provide a new
work plan or face termination. House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff
Miller says the cure notice contradicts that testimony.
Brasfield
& Gorrie has now submitted a revised work plan, and awaits VA’s response.
The 1.2 million square foot, 134 bed facility was supposed to cost $260.3
million, but the VA’s design changes have pushed that number up to at least $298.5
million, and construction is about a year behind schedule. VA wants
construction accelerated for completion by next summer. Brasfield & Gorrie
says it is still getting new design changes from the agency.
Chairman
Miller’s statement on the cure notice reflects Congressional frustration with
everyone working on the Orlando VA project. “Pointing fingers and laying blame
will not build the medical center. I expect answers immediately from the VA on
the status and cost of this project.”
