The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona has secured over $1.9 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements, part of a record nationwide investment in veterans' healthcare facilities.

The funding will support two major projects: a $1.3 million renovation of the Food and Nutrition Service kitchen featuring new refrigeration and freezer units, plus a dedicated classroom for Healthy Teaching kitchen classes and additional exam room space.

A separate $275,000 project will replace the air handling system at the VA Police Department.

"This funding allows our medical center to continue modernizing and improving, so our facility remains safe, efficient and equipped to provide high-quality care for our Veterans in Central Pennsylvania," said Interim Medical Center Director David DiGiacomo.

The investment comes from the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance program, which has distributed $4.8 billion nationwide this fiscal year to modernize and repair VA healthcare facilities.