VA Selects Site for New Kennewick Outpatient Clinic
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans a 130,000-square-foot facility at 3811 Plaza Way.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Military Jobs
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The Department of Veterans Affairs has officially selected a site at 3811 Plaza Way in Kennewick for a new outpatient clinic. This planned 130,000-square-foot facility will be located in the Southridge area near Trios Southridge Hospital.
Why it matters
The project aims to significantly reduce travel times for veterans who currently commute to Walla Walla for specialized care. It also serves to bridge existing gaps in regional services by offering comprehensive primary, mental health, and specialty medical care locally.
The new facility will span 130,000 square feet and is expected to support approximately 250 jobs. Construction is slated to take between 18 and 24 months, with an estimated opening target of 2028.
The players
Department of Veterans Affairs
This federal agency is responsible for providing medical care and benefits to honorably discharged military veterans.
Shane Thorson
He is a public figure who discussed the clinic project during a media appearance on Fox Daybreak.
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
This regional facility in Walla Walla currently provides specialized care for veterans residing in the Tri-Cities area.
The details
The facility will house a wide range of services, including dental, audiology, optometry, radiology, laboratory services, pharmacy, and prosthetics. Thousands of local veterans are expected to utilize the new clinic, which will serve as a major expansion of the current VA medical footprint in the Tri-Cities.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Shane Thorson discussed the clinic project on Fox Daybreak.
2028: Potential opening of the new VA clinic.
Market Landscape
This development aligns with the VA's MISSION Act access standards designed to decentralize care. By establishing a large-scale regional hub in Kennewick, the agency is shifting away from centralized legacy medical centers to improve local service density.
Local veterans will gain access to comprehensive specialty services, such as dental and radiology, without the need to travel to Walla Walla. The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy through the creation of 250 permanent positions.
The takeaway
Veterans in the Tri-Cities should prepare for a transition to new local facilities that will consolidate primary and specialty care by 2028. This move will significantly decrease the reliance on out-of-town medical travel for routine and specialized services.
Further reading
Learn more about local career opportunities and service growth in the Military Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TriYakNews.
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