On the cusp of Veterans Day, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Walla Walla will come to the Tri-Cities to officially break ground on the planned outpatient clinic in Kennewick. 

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at the clinic’s future location at 3811 Plaza Way in the Southridge area, according to a release. Veterans, families and community members are invited to attend alongside regional VA staff as well as state and local officials. 

“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for VA health care in the Tri-Cities area,” said leaders at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA in Walla Walla in a statement. “Expanding into a larger, modern facility means better access, more services, and improved health outcomes for the Veterans we proudly serve.” 

The $48.2 million two-story building will replace the currently operating VA clinic in the Richland Federal Building. It is expected to offer services that have previously required veterans to travel to Walla Walla or further afield to receive care from VA medical staff. 

The new clinic is currently slated to open in early 2029.