Report: VA Fails to Protect Historic Buildings

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A study funded by a preservation group is critical of the Department of Veterans Affairs for how it handles old buildings.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation report released Thursday says the VA often ignores federal law and wastes taxpayer money by putting up new buildings.

One example cited is the plan to close the 105-year-old Battle Mountain Sanitarium in South Dakota. The VA wants to build a new facility 60 miles north, in Rapid City.

The VA says it must balance its mission of providing modern facilities for veterans with its responsibility to preserve historic places.

Other cities that have medical centers that the group says have been demolished, are proposed for demolition or whose fate's uncertain are: Milwaukee; Pittsburgh; Louisville, Ky.; Lexington, Ky.; Denver; Livermore, Calif.; and Detroit.

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