The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain serves about 22,000 veterans in the Upper Peninsula’s 15 counties, along with nine Wisconsin counties. (Daily News file photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center on Thursday announced it will begin infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe and effective patient care.

The projects are part of a record $4.8 billion in nationwide VA spending to modernize, repair and improve department health care facilities in fiscal year 2026 via the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance program.

OGJVAMC improvement projects for fiscal year 2026 are:

— Repairing Parking G at the Iron Mountain VAMC. Repairs will significantly improve safety by eliminating hazards such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces, which can cause vehicle damage and trip-and-fall accidents. A new well-maintained parking lot will enhance visibility with clear line markings and signage and provide ADA compliant handicap parking locations. Furthermore, improved drainage systems in the repaired lot will help prevent pooling water and ice buildup, making the area safer for veterans, caregivers/families, volunteers, and staff.

— Replacing the on-campus fire alarm system at the Iron Mountain VAMC. Replacement will ensure that the latest technology and features are in place, providing more reliable smoke and fire detection and quicker response times in the event of a fire. The new system will incorporate advanced features that improve the accuracy of smoke detection and significantly reduce the incidence of false alarms, ensuring that real threats are promptly and appropriately addressed.

Additionally, the updated fire alarm systems will be capable of integrating with other safety and communication systems and facilitating coordinated emergency responses. This comprehensive approach not only enhances overall safety but also better protects and potentially saves the lives of veterans, staff and visitors.

“Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for veterans, and these funds will enable OGJVAMC to achieve that goal,” said John P. Shealey, medical center director. “Better care for veterans is our goal, and these projects will enable us to achieve just that.”