# Federal Funding Modernizes Veterans Health Facility in Calhoun County

Crews are already working on a list of nonrecurring maintenance projects around the Battle Creek VA Medical Center after the facility was awarded $14,497,160 in federal funding late last month.

The money will cover upgrades to HVAC systems, building security, elevators, and sump pumps across the campus.

Really, all these projects are just focused on making sure that we have the best campus possible for our veterans, said Brian Pegouske with the Battle Creek VA.

The funding is part of a larger $4.8 billion allocation to the VA's Non-Recurring Maintenance Program, which aims to address major one-time projects rather than ongoing maintenance.

Safety and Accessibility Improvements

Much of the work will focus on overhauling and replacing elevators, upgrading HVAC systems, installing two new sump pumps and updating security and safety features.

Pegouske said the funding is aimed at tackling nonrecurring maintenance around campus. He expects the upgrades to be complete by the end of the year.

Those safety updates are similar to the ones already installed at the urgent care wing. One example was doors in examination rooms that have an observation window and a smaller door in case it were to be locked by a patient.

Other upgrades he said can be expected at mental health buildings, such as doors that swing both ways to ensure access to patient rooms.

We learned new ways to improve egress and doors for mental health. New things to improve for safety risks for mental health. We always look to implement those things and go back and improve those as we learn new things, Pegouske said.

The goal is improving patient accessibility and safety while also supporting staff to get the job done.

As we work to improve the facility, it makes staff feel better about the place they work, and they can help deliver the best care possible that we have, he said.

Service Delivery and Local Impact

The Battle Creek VA services more than 46,000 veterans annually, said Battle Creek VA Medical Center Chief, Communication & Community Engagement Coordinator Brian Pegouske.

The Battle Creek Center also manages outpatient locations in Benton Harbor, Muskegon, Lansing, and Wyoming, Michigan.

Under President Trump, VA is putting Veterans first, and this historic investment underscores that fact. Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable VA to achieve that goal, said Doug Collins, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Federal director visits Battle Creek VA Medical Center

Local contract work for this project is awarded to Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses that may also use subcontracted local labor to complete some of the local trade work.

The elevator project is complete, and the HVAC system and sump pumps are anticipated to be completed this year, Pegouske said.

Congressional Support

U.S. Rep Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) announced the funding and said in a release that the investment supports continued improvements to care for veterans in the region.

Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can't happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care, Huizenga said.

The funding was announced on March 31, 2026. VA Secretary Doug Collins toured the Battle Creek VA a year ago, in 2025.

Really, all these projects are just focused on making sure that we have the best campus possible for our veterans, said Brian Pegouske with the Battle Creek VA.