VA Announces Contract for Landscaping in Biloxi

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a company for landscaping site improvements at the Biloxi Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi, Miss., as part of the ongoing major capital improvement program.

“Providing 21st century care to Veterans requires constant diligence,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The upgrades to this facility will ensure Mississippi Veterans continue to receive the top-notch care they have earned through their military service.”

This project consolidates the medical center functions formerly at Gulfport on the Biloxi campus and adds new facilities due to the damage from Hurricane Katrina.

The $6,187,511 contract was awarded to Coburn Contractors, LLC, Montgomery, Ala. Landscaping is scheduled to be completed in winter 2012. Sixty-seven jobs will be created by this project.

Landscaping will consist of trees, shrubs, sod, and walkways, as well as covered walkways and new roadways. Approximately 230 oak trees will be planted to replace the oaks that were removed for construction of a mental health facility, community living center, blind rehabilitation center and the clinical addition.  Hundreds of other trees and plants will also be planted around the campus. The covered walkways will match the building architecture and be lighted.

Most of the landscaping will take place in the central lawn area of the campus, which includes a fountain in the center. The landscaped areas will also have a complete automatic irrigation system.