VA Butler Healthcare must not be hindered by facilities that limit its ability to accommodate properly the veterans that it serves.

That's why the construction getting under way at the medical center is so important. The three-quarters-of-a-century-olddomiciliary that the new construction will replace is deemed to have outlived its usefulness in terms of accommodating veterans in need of residential treatment.

Not only is the current facility no longer adequate from a care and treatment standpoint, but it's also been judged too expensive to maintain because of its age. Meawhile, additional modernization will help keep the local VA campus a strong asset in the federal veterans health care network, reducing the risk of major cuts or worse.

The new construction carries an $8.5 million price tag. The project includes a new treatment center and four apartment buildings to house up to 56 veterans, including a dozen beds earmarked for female veterans.

The construction will be done in two phases, the first being the treatment center and two, 12-person apartment buildings. The second phase will include two 16-bedroom apartment-style buildings.

With the needs resulting from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal government is wise in making this significant upgrade here.

Nothing must be permitted to sidetrack any aspect of what is planned. The successful effort of U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4th, in battling one partial funding threat should serve as a reminder to all members of Western Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to be alert to the possibility of others.