Growth in veterans services in Conroe will continue with an expansion at the Conroe Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in 2017.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, and Francisco Vasquez, medical center director at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center in Houston, announced the expansion of the clinic during a luncheon Friday afternoon. Once complete, the clinic will expand dental services and laboratory space at the clinic, Vasquez said.

"We have found that we need to add more capacity in those areas so we can provide timely services to our veterans," Vasquez said.

The clinic opened at its existing location in September 2015. Brady said he credits the VA for being diligent in expanding its services given the recent opening of the facility.

"It has been a huge difference. The old clinic was so packed and there was no parking. The whole clinic was smaller than this lobby," Brady said. "This has been a godsend for the community, and it continues to grow."