DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Senate has tentatively approved legislation to strip the Veterans Affairs Department of the authority to manage large construction projects after massive cost overruns on a Denver-area hospital.
The Senate voted Tuesday to amend a defense bill to give the Army Corps of Engineers management power over VA construction projects costing more than $100 million.
The change is one of several Congress is demanding before approving enough money to complete a half-finished medical center in suburban Denver. The facility is expected to cost up to $1.73 billion, nearly three times last year’s estimate.
Work has continued on the hospital under a series of temporary measures while Congress and the Obama administration try to agree on a longer-term deal to finish it. The VA has asked for another $625 million.
