SHAHEEN APPLAUDS OPENING OF NEW MANCHESTER VET CENTER

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a strong advocate for a new veterans center in Manchester and a leading voice in calling for its expedited completion, released the following statement applauding today’s grand opening of the new Manchester Vet Center:

“Our veterans have earned the right to quality, local care and today’s opening of the Manchester Vet Center is an important step to delivering on that commitment,” Shaheen said. “The relocation of the facility has been long overdue and I am thrilled that our veterans now have this new facility to call their own. They deserve nothing less.”

Shaheen worked closely with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve the center’s relocation and secure final approval of the contract.  In March of 2012, Shaheen and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) specifically urged VA Secretary Eric Shineski  to complete the construction contract after delays had held up for the relocation for over two years. The contract was awarded allowing the construction process to move forward a short time after their call. Shaheen also welcomed Secretary Shineski to New Hampshire to tour the new site of the Vet Center in April of 2012.

The new Vet Center will replace a facility that had significant safety concerns and was too small for veterans to hold many of their activities. As a result, area veterans were forced to find alternative spaces to meet. The new center will increase space from 2,200 square feet to 4,975 square feet and will feature new space for physical therapy, educational activities and group meetings. The new facility will be located at 146 Hooksett Road, B6. Hooksett, NH.