ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — U.S. Rep. John Mica told Channel 9 on Monday he's happy with the construction progress on the new veterans hospital that is being built in Lake Nona.
But the project is more than a year behind schedule and $100 million over budget.
Channel 9 learned some of the delays have come from the Department of Veterans Affairs, not construction crews.
Reporter Mark Joyella toured the project with Mica, who said compared to what the building looked like six months ago, he was very satisfied with what he saw.
Mica said he's looking to both the contractor and the VA to get over their differences and get the hospital done by the end of the year.
"Settle your differences later, but get the project done," said Mica.
The long-delayed VA Medical Center seems finally to be taking shape with 1,000 construction workers on the job, pushing the massive project slowly toward completion.
"I would like to have it open by the end of the year, and we are going to do everything possible to make that happen," said Mica.
But there's continued conflict between the VA and general contractor Brasfield and Gorrie, which is leading some to suggest the contractor could be fired.
Mica and Rep. Corrine Brown said changing contractors would cause added delays, and that's not the answer.
"The people in this community, the veterans, have waited for this facility for 25 years, and that's just unacceptable," said Brown.
One problem Mica said needs to be addressed is the VA's continued call for changes -- with the VA sending contractors and subcontractors $40 million in change orders -- forcing work that's already been done to be done over again.
And there are subcontractors who say they have not been paid for work they've done.
Mica said he's looking into making sure they get their money so nothing causes further delays.
WFTV
