Mike Kelly

CENTER TWP — U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, is looking into the process the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs used to select the site of its proposed health care center in the township.

The VA on Dec. 31 awarded a lease to Cambridge Healthcare Solutions PA, LP of Vienna, Va., to build the 168,000 square-foot facility at 395 N. Duffy Road.

The property was one of four sites considered for the center after the VA canceled its original agreement with Westar Development, which was set to build the center on Route 68 in Butler Township. The VA canceled that deal in August 2013, accusing Westar of making false and misleading representations during the lease process.

Because of the controversy involved with the previously developer, Kelly said he is upset about the way in which the VA selected and announced the site of the new center.

“I'm very disappointed,” Kelly said. “I've never seen anything like this in my life.”

Kelly said the VA has not been transparent in the selection process, calling that troubling considering the issues it had with Westar.

“We just went through this,” he said, referencing the original site's controversy.

The VA has yet to comment on why Cambridge was picked over the three other proposed sites.

Kelly said he was also awaiting more details on the contract with the developer.

“This is taxpayer money,” he said.

VA Butler Healthcare will occupy the center for 20 years. Cambridge will be paid $8.4 million in annual rent after an initial rent abatement period. A total construction cost has not been released.

Kelly said the VA's announcement of the agreement on Jan. 2 also was alarming.

“Why send out a press release on a Friday afternoon with little details,” Kelly said. “Then they say nobody around to answer questions.”

Kelly said his office had not heard from the VA but his staff is expecting to meet with representatives this week for information on the project.

“They did not contact our office, and we've been constantly asking for updates,” he said.

Kelly also was concerned about the lack of communication between the VA and local officials. Representatives from Cambridge just met Wednesday morning with township officials for the first time in more than a year.

“One of Congress' main responsibilities is oversight,” Kelly said. “I want to use this as an opportunity to restore faith and reform these processes.”

Kelly said he is not against building the new center on North Duffy Road, but he is upset by the manner in which the VA made the selection.

“I didn't have a problem with any of the sites considered,” he said.

Kelly also said he as a great relationship with VA Butler Healthcare, and that the new facility is needed for veterans.

“The most important question is whether we are taking care of our veterans,” he said. “We have to fulfill that obligation to them.”