New CBOCs in South Burlington and West Chesterfield will nearly double clinic space and add Vermont's first VA dental services.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., announced Saturday that two new VA community-based outpatient clinics will be built to serve Vermont veterans, with both facilities scheduled to open in spring 2029.
The larger of the two — a 36,000-square-foot replacement for Burlington's current clinic, the state's busiest — will be built at South Burlington's Technology Park and will include dental care services, which Sanders described as "a first for a VA facility in Vermont." A second 27,000-square-foot clinic in West Chesterfield, N.H., will consolidate the existing Brattleboro and Keene, N.H., locations.
One release came in Saturday against a day-of-week average of 5.4 — an 81 percent drop below baseline. The Senate returns to session Monday with nine days remaining before the August state work period.
New VA clinic construction for Vermont veterans
Sanders, citing his tenure on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, framed both announcements as overdue infrastructure investment. "As the former Chair and a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am very pleased to announce these two new, state-of-the-art clinics for veterans to get their primary healthcare," he said.
The South Burlington facility will replace the current Burlington clinic at twice the square footage. Sanders specifically highlighted the dental care component: "The new South Burlington clinic will provide desperately needed dental care services, a first for a VA facility in Vermont."
On the consolidation of the Brattleboro and Keene clinics, Sanders described his role in the site selection. "When it became clear the VA would combine the Keene and Brattleboro clinics into one, larger facility, I worked with them to ensure a location was selected that was convenient to veterans in both states. I am pleased they selected a location right near the bridge to Brattleboro to ensure Vermont veterans don't need to travel far to see their doctor."
The VA currently operates five community-based outpatient clinics across Vermont — in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport and Rutland — serving nearly 19,000 veterans. Those clinics provide primary care, specialty treatment and mental health services as satellites of the VA medical center in White River Junction.
Signals
- volumeSaturday produced 1 release against a Saturday average of 5.4, running 81.4 percent below baseline.
- recessThe August state work period begins in 9 days; no votes are scheduled and the Senate is not currently in recess.
- silent breaksSen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, has not issued a release in 18 days; Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-OK, has been quiet for 16 days.
Quiet desks
Senators with no release in two weeks or more.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC18d
- Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-OK16d