Press Releases

U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper are urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19) to move forward with constructing a long-awaited VA clinic in Fremont County. Following a continued push from Pettersen, the project was added to the VA’s fiscal year (FY) 26 priority list in May 2025. 

However, despite this progress, the clinic has been awaiting VISN-level approval for over two years, leaving Fremont County – home to an estimated 3,500 veterans in Cañon City and Florence – without a local VA facility.

In the letter, the Members wrote, “As you know, veterans who live in Fremont County and the surrounding region are in desperate need for additional health care assistance. There are an estimated 3,500 veterans living in Cañon City and Florence which puts the clinic close to the threshold rating of two primary care teams. If unincorporated parts of Fremont County are included, there are estimated to be as many as 5,000 total eligible veterans.” 

The Members continued, “This would push the clinic over the threshold for a second primary care team. As the Congressional delegation representing the Fremont County region, we remain supportive of the construction of this clinic, and we urge you to expeditiously approve the request for the construction of the clinic.” 

This letter is just the latest in Pettersen’s ongoing efforts to construct a VA clinic in Fremont County since coming to Congress. After meeting with local officials and veterans in Fremont County and hearing their concerns about delays in the construction of a clinic, she has fought for this project to ensure veterans have access to the resources they need in Fremont County and throughout Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District.

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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