GOP Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow says a new outpatient clinic in Brandon may soon be approved by the House.

The facility, to serve about 10,000 veterans, won support from the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and is expected to pass the House later this month.

Because of congested roads and few alternatives, “Sometimes, just getting to the care they need can be a real ordeal for our veterans,” said Putnam.
He said the clinic “will make a big difference, giving veterans – especially those in southeastern Hillsborough County – better access to the medical care they deserve.”

A bill including $4.326 million for the facility is expected to be voted on before Memorial Day, said Putnam aides. The measure would establish a 50,000 square foot multi-specialty clinic in Brandon that would be an extension of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.

Under the proposal, it could be ready to serve patients by June 2011.

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