CENTER TWP — Work on the property of the new VA Butler Healthcare facility on North Duffy Road is expected to begin this week.

Cambridge Healthcare Solutions said in a news release Tuesday that it has started getting ready to begin construction on the $100 million project.

This initial work will involve moving dirt at the site.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in December awarded a contract with Cambridge that would have the Virginia-based developer build the facility and lease it to the VA for 20 years.

“We look forward to a long-term relationship with the VA,” Cambridge CEO Andrew J. Czekaj said in a statement.

Last week a federal judge denied a bid protest made by Oxford Development of Pittsburgh, an unsuccessful bidder on the project. That developer wanted the court to force the VA to restart the bidding process claiming there were issues with the way the VA awarded the bid.

Oxford challenged the VA’s award to Cambridge twice this year, beginning with a protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office in January that was eventually dismissed.

Oxford proposed to build on the Deshon Woods site in Butler Township that the VA originally planned to build on two years ago before canceling an agreement with a previous developer.

The new 218,000-square-foot center will be on 46 acres at 353 N. Duffy Road, about 1½ miles away from the current VA facility on New Castle Road in Butler Township.

Cambridge said it closed on the land last week in a deal with the Herold family.

The project is set to be finished by December 2017.

“It’s good new for everybody involved,” said Ken Frenchak, a Center Township supervisor. “This can move forward and get done. It’s a benefit to everyone.”

Frenchak said the initial work will consist of preparing the property for construction.

“The developer still has to come in and get final approvals for construction of the building,” he said.

Cambridge will be paid $8.4 million in annual rent after an initial two-year rent abatement period.