After four years, the new parking garage for veteran patients is now open at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
This new garage, which is located across the street from the main entrance of the medical center, has four levels that will add over 200 new parking spaces exclusively for Idaho veterans.
The total cost of the project was over $9.6 million, but those who use it say it was sorely needed.
"Keeping up with the need for parking has been a difficult challenge for us,” said chief engineer Doug Lamb. “And it's been particularly difficult in the last couple years trying to provide enough parking for all of the veterans who come to our facility, and so this parking garage was definitely needed."
Two of Boise's veterans were honored at Thursday morning's ceremony.
Ken Smith, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, has been an honorary construction worker throughout the entire process.
Ron Estep, who has volunteered over 24,000 hours of his time to the Boise VA, was honored as well. He was the first veteran to park in the new garage.