VA to Do Study on Closing Hot Springs Facility

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Members of South Dakota's congressional delegation say they're disappointed that the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking another step toward closing the VA campus in Hot Springs.

Sens. John Thune and Tim Johnson and Rep. Kristi Noem say Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki told them the VA is moving forward with an environmental impact study on closing the century-old historic Hot Springs facility and rebuilding facilities in Rapid City.

The VA says an economic analysis has shown that restructuring its facilities in western South Dakota would be cheaper and more efficient than trying to fix aging facilities in Hot Springs.

South Dakota officials question that and say it ignores the pleas of veterans who want a facility in Hot Springs.

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