RUMFORD — The search is on, once again, for a new site for a local veterans clinic.

James Doherty, spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Togus, said plans to move the current Franklin Street clinic to the River Valley Crossing Shopping Center west of the village on Route 2, have been scrapped.

“The termination (is) for the convenience of the government,” he said in response to why the contract had been withdrawn.

He declined to offer any further details.

The Veterans Administration began a market survey of potential sites in Rumford last week, and will continue to take suggestions until Dec. 15, according to a legal advertisement that appeared in several local newspapers.

Doherty said once all proposed sites have been evaluated, site inspections will be made by a team from Togus, then those selected will be asked to submit bids.

Those who believe they may have a suitable site for consideration must contact Kimberly Choplin at [email protected], or call 401-455-4909.

The local VA has been searching for an alternative site to the Franklin Street clinic for a couple of years. That site is too small, provides too little parking, and is on an upper floor.

The new site should be on one floor, be handicapped accessible, include about 8,000-square-feet of space, and provide a minimum of 40 parking spaces.

Doherty said the evaluation process should begin soon after the first of the year. Soon after, bids will be solicited. Tentative plans are to award a contract for a new site sometime in March, he said.

The VA is looking to lease an appropriate site for five years, with a five-year renewable option. The preference is for a free-standing building, but an appropriate space within a larger building will be considered.

The Rumford veterans clinic serves hundreds of veterans in the River Valley area.

[email protected]