The Veterans Affairs Department suggested two ways to finish the healthcare facility under construction near Denver: Spending cuts of nearly 1 percent, or shifting funds from dozens of construction and maintenance projects planned in other states, according to an article on the Stars and Stripes website.
Paring 0.89% from other non-mandatory benefits in the next budget year would produce the $625 million needed, according to the VA. The other option would effect as many as 44 construction projects in 24 states, and up to 65 maintenance projects.
The Colorado hospital is expected to cost up to $1.73 billion, nearly three times the estimate given last year.
The VA first asked for another $830 million to finish but then said it could cut that to $625 million.