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Congressman Paul Tonko announced Friday that Albany Veterans Administration Medical Center has received more than $16 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements at the hospital, which will enhance care of veterans, improve operations, and provide long term savings through energy efficiency. Congressman Tonko was joined at the announcement by Albany VAMC Director Mary-Ellen Piché and Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings. The projects, which will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, include the replacement of 3,900 worn windows throughout the facility with new energy efficient, double glazed windows fitted with integral blinds. This window replacement will improve energy efficiency by close to 50-percent, in addition to energy conservation savings gained through new window jambs and frames.

“What these Recovery Act projects represent are people, infrastructure and savings,” said Congressman Tonko. “The people are our nation’s veterans who defend our freedom each and everyday and deserve to be taken care of when they return home. The infrastructure is our VA, a public hospital for the treatment and care of these veterans. And the savings are in our utility bills and bottom line as less is spent on wasted energy and more can be invested in human infrastructure. I want to congratulate those here at the VA who not only provide a critical service to our Veterans but who also have the vision, passion and energy to make improvements and provide for a better outcome.”

“This project is a great example of how VA serves both our Veterans and the community, as we strive to meet our mission of providing the best healthcare available,” said medical center director Mary-Ellen Piché. “Not only are we enhancing our infrastructure, we continue to lead through example, demonstrating VA’s environmental stewardship through energy conservation. What makes this project even more important and noteworthy is that it was made possible through federal stimulus funding, adding the extra benefit of creating jobs in the area,” Piché added. “This is a win-win for everyone and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“I am extremely proud of the efforts put forth by the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center to not only enhance patient care and infrastructure, but also improve energy efficiency and community outreach,” said Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. “For selflessly and proudly defending the United States of America, our veterans deserve the excellent care and unwavering support offered by the Stratton VAMC, and this vital federal funding – secured with the assistance of Congressman Tonko – will ensure that the VA remains an influential institution in our community for many years to come.”

The $1.2 million window replacement contract has been awarded to Brican Industries, a Veteran-owned business from Springfield, Massachusetts. Work is expected to begin in March. The other 11 Recovery Act funding projects at the Albany VAMC are in various stages of contracting and design.

Nationwide, the Veterans Administration received $1.4 billion in Recovery Act funds, and approximately one-quarter of that money has been targeted at investment in energy efficiency, conservation, and clean energy generation.