COPPERAS COVE, Texas (February 13, 2026) — The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce that a major new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic project has officially been awarded, marking a historic investment in the Central Texas region and a significant economic development win for Copperas Cove and surrounding communities.
The planned facility will include more than 190,000 square feet of clinical space and is expected to generate an estimated 500+ new jobs once fully operational. The project represents an estimated $151 million capital investment and will be located at 552 RGIII, a site situated in the Narrows Business Park.
In addition to the facility’s critical role in expanding healthcare access for the region’s veteran population, the project will deliver substantial long-term economic benefits. Because the clinic will be privately constructed and owned then leased to the VA, the property will remain a taxable entity, generating new tax revenue for the City of Copperas Cove, Coryell County, and the Copperas Cove Independent School District.
“This project is the kind of transformational investment that strengthens our community for generations,” said Fred Welch, CCEDC Executive Director. “Not only will it create hundreds of quality jobs and increase our local tax base, but it will also provide expanded healthcare services for the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
The new VA clinic is designed as a comprehensive outpatient facility offering a wide range of services. Early planning indicates the clinic will include approximately 28 departments, with as much as 30% of the facility dedicated to mental health services. The clinic will be managed through the Central Texas VA system headquartered in Temple and will support the rapidly growing veteran population across the region.
During the announcement, U.S. Congressman John Carter emphasized the importance of expanding access to care for veterans in Central Texas, noting that the region is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the state.
“We’ve been working on this for a long time,” Congressman Carter said. “There’s going to be 500 jobs created by this facility. We have over 200,000 veterans in our area of Central Texas. Access is what veterans want most, and this clinic is going to give them easier access to care.”
A video statement from the VA also highlighted the project as part of the federal government’s continued commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through the Mission Act, bringing care closer to where veterans live and work.
While facility renderings are not yet available, preliminary site planning indicates the development will include significantly expanded parking capacity, with early estimates projecting approximately 1,200 parking spaces to support full operations.
City leadership and economic development partners will continue coordinating with federal, regional, and private development stakeholders as the project moves into its next phases.
“This is an incredible moment for Copperas Cove and for the veterans who call Central Texas home,” said Welch. “We are honored that our community will play a role in supporting those who have served, while also securing a major economic development victory that will strengthen our future.”