Copperas Cove Is Getting A $151 Million VA Facility Near Fort Hood

Veteran healthcare is now a lot closer for Copperas Cove and Killeen residents.

New $151 Million VA Clinic in Copperas Cove Promises Expanded Medical and Mental Health Care for Veterans

A major healthcare expansion is on the horizon for Central Texas military families, as a state-of-the-art Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient facility prepares to break ground. Covering close to 256,000 square feet with an estimated cost of $151 million, the center will give local veterans direct access to medical services without having to travel to regional hubs in Temple, Waco, or Austin. The facility will be five miles from Fort Hood.

Dedicated Focus on Behavioral Health

In addition to traditional medical care, the facility places an extra emphasis on psychological support, allocating approximately 30 percent of its floor space exclusively to mental health services. Physical injuries are instantly identifiable; but psychological wounds often remain invisible until a veteran reaches a severe mental crisis. Having a dedicated, behavioral health department close to home ensures that preventative care and intervention are readily available before conditions escalate.

Economic Growth

Beyond providing critical healthcare, the medical center will also help the local economy. According to Fred Welch, CEO of the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), the project will generate substantial local economic activity:

Jobs:The facility is projected to bring roughly 500 new permanent jobs to the city.

Foot Traffic: The center anticipates handling up to 800 patient visits daily, driving consistent commercial foot traffic.

Property Tax Benefits: Because the facility will be privately constructed and owned, then leased to the federal government, the real estate remains taxable.

Construction Timeline and Location

The new clinic will be built in the Narrows Business Park along Robert Griffin III Boulevard. With groundbreaking scheduled for August, construction is projected to take about two years.