Fort McPherson will close as an active military base and soon reopen to provide services to Georgia veterans.
The VA is renovating five buildings at the sprawling military post in an effort to take pressure off the overcrowded Veterans Hospital in Decatur.
"We really need it," said Anne Hugenin of the VA Medical Center. "The Medical Center at Clairmont Road is bursting at the seams."
At times veterans can spend hours driving around the hospital in search of a parking space or waiting to see a doctor.
Costs will approach $40 million dollars to update an existing medical clinic and add a dental clinic. Plans also include using space to house special programs for homeless veterans including a 40 bed shelter and drug and alcohol treatment programs.
"The VA is a safety net for vets who lose their jobs, health insurance and who have limited incomes," said Hugenin.
Fort McPherson is scheduled to close in September. Facilities for veterans should be ready in about a year.