The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced it will not proceed with a $77 million initiative to install electric vehicle charging stations at its facilities. The funds, originally allocated under a Biden Administration directive in fiscal year 2023, will instead be redirected to health care construction projects.
The initial plan required the VA to shift $77 million from its construction and technology budget to build solar-powered EV charging stations. Although this funding diversion was approved by Congress, none of the money was spent and no charging stations were built.
A recent government shutdown provided the VA with authority to return the unspent funds to its original budget category. On November 6, VA Secretary Doug Collins decided that redirecting the money would better serve veterans’ needs.
While decisions on how all of the funding will be used are ongoing, some allocations have been made: $10 million is set for upgrades at the Friendship House compensated work therapy residence in Oklahoma City; $21.3 million will expand and renovate the MRI ward at Providence VA Medical Center; and $13.8 million is designated for upgrading the radiation oncology unit at G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC in Jackson, Mississippi.
“‘In Joe Biden’s VA, the department was distracted by woke social-justice programs and green-energy boondoggles, but those days are long gone,’ said VA Secretary Doug Collins. ‘VA exists to serve Veterans, and we’re making sure all of our resources go toward that noble purpose.’”
