Changes are being considered when it comes to VA facilities in the Hudson Valley.
One of the suggested changes is closing down the Castle Point Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System in Wappingers Falls. Along with the closing, there is a plan to build an outpatient clinic in Fishkill, as well as expand inpatient services at the Montrose VA Medical Center.
A report released by the Department of Veterans Affairs says they is hope to modernize and enhance its care for veterans.
They stress that any recommendations are years away from possible approval and implementation. The committee behind these potential changes have until January 2023 to submit recommendations to President Joe Biden.
VA officials point out that Castle Point is old and in need of extensive renovations and say that its use has decreased over the years.
Local politicians rallied against the closure Friday with a message for Congress.
"Our veterans deserve the gold standard of care, they deserve not a single reduction, elimination or change of services. Any proposal such as the one we have here is unacceptable," said Republican Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt.