Rounds receives assurances from V.A. Secretary nominee regarding Hot Springs, Black Hills V.A. centers

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds questioned Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs nominee, about the future of Hot Springs’ V.A. facility.

Rounds asked, “The Hot Springs VA facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is a critical part of the department’s Black Hills Health Care System…I’d like your commitment, if confirmed, to work on moving the Hot Springs facility and literally the Black Hills facilities themselves into this century with regard to the services that they’re providing, and to lay out a long-term plan for their success for veterans in the rural areas.”

McDonough responded, “I recommit myself to you now to work closely on [Hot Springs] and addressing the needs in and around the Hot Springs facility, in as much as it is such a critical piece of the delivery capability, not only in South Dakota but also in [surrounding states].”