The Veterans Administration is continuing its plans to shutter much of the VA facility in Hot Springs and move some of those services to Rapid City.
South Dakota’s Junior U.S. Senator Mike Rounds says he’s working with those on the Save the VA Committee in Hot Springs to find the best outcomes for veterans.
Rounds says VA officials in the Black Hills still need to answer some basic questions about their proposed move.
“Is it beneficial to come to Rapid City to literally buy land, when you already have land there, take the facilities create new facilities that could be rehabbed. What’s the difference in cost? I’d like to know those numbers. I’d like to know what the savings is or is there any savings in moving to Rapid City. Rapid City is a great location; question is--is it as good as a location as Hot Springs where we already have facilities to begin with,” says Rounds.
Rounds says many veterans prefer a rural and tranquil place like Hot Springs for long term treatment of service related injuries like PTSD. He says an increasing number of veterans will require care in the coming decades.
The Veterans Administration federal budget request included a proposal to close Hot Springs facilities. VA officials say they’re being transparent in the process for determining the possible move to Rapid City.
The Director of the VA Black Hills Steve DiStasio (DEE-stay-see-oh) is retiring at the end of the month. During congressional hearings in Hot Springs last summer a call for DiStasio’s resignation received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Rounds says he will continue to work with officials to find the best solution for veterans.