Renovations Coming to Long-Closed VA Pool in Montrose

The federal government will upgrade the long-closed Montrose VA facility indoor pool and rebuild damaged portions of the pool building, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (Westchester/Rockland) announced.

“We will never be able to fully repay veterans who risked their lives defending the American way of life, but we can help them recover from injuries sustained during their service,” said Lowey in a prepared statement. “This pool at the Montrose VA facility will offer recreational and therapeutic options to help veterans heal the wounds of war. I will continue working to ensure veterans in the Lower Hudson Valley get the benefits and care they deserve.”

$5.5 million in federal funds will allow for upgrades to the facility’s indoor pool and reconstruction of damaged parts of the pool building, enabling year-round recreation and therapy options for long-term care patients at the facility. Upgrades and reconstruction will start in the fall, with a projected completion date of spring/summer 2017.

The pool facility has been closed for more than 10 years. The original, regular temperature indoor pool at the Montrose VA facility was converted to a therapy pool in 1999. However, the pool closed in 2002 as it needed major upgrades and repairs.

“Veteran care is our first priority at VA Hudson Valley. So, we’re excited this project is moving forward, and we are looking forward to further enhancing the quality of care for our Veterans in the Hudson Valley,” said VA Hudson Valley Health Care System Director Margaret B. Caplan. “Congresswoman Lowey has been a tremendous advocate for seeing this project through, and I am grateful for her support and commitment to the veterans of the Hudson Valley.”

Created in 1997, the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System serves approximately 150,000 Veterans in an area covering 3,500 square miles through two main campuses in Castle Point and Montrose, NY, and several Community Based Outpatient Clinics. The system treats about 25,000 patients each year. The Montrose campus offers a number of health and mental health services, including the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi said she was pleased to see results after the town’s Veteran’s Committee, other Veteran’s groups, and many interested residents, along with town officials, had sent petitions, letters, e-mails, and held rallies on the front lawn of the VA to renovate the pool, as well as to keep services at the VA facility.

Lowey, who is the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, reminds constituents of New York’s 17th Congressional District that she and her office can assist if they need help with the federal government. Veterans experiencing issues with federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, should contact Lowey’s White Plains District Office (914-428-1707), New City District Office (845-639-3485), or visit her website for more information.