Senators demand VA explain cost overruns at Denver hospital

The chairman and top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee are demanding an explanation from the VA on huge costs overruns and construction delays at the new Denver veterans hospital.

Republican Johnny Isakson of Georgia, the chairman, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat, said Wednesday the ballooning cost of the hospital was appalling and unacceptable.

The VA disclosed Tuesday the hospital will cost more than $1.7 billion, five times the initial estimate of $328 million. The facility is under construction in suburban Aurora and will replace an outdated hospital in Denver.

Colorado’s two senators and six of its seven House members issued a statement pledging bipartisan support for completing the hospital.

Isakson and Blumenthal didn’t say whether they would support additional spending to finish the facility.