A bill that allows local communities to assist with the planning and construction of Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities has been signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Tim Walz were supporters of the CHIP in for Vets Act.

"The CHIP in for Vets Act is a win for veterans, especially those in rural America depending on VA facilities for their health care," Walz said in a statement. "By welcoming local communities into the VA's planning and construction fold, this groundbreaking and innovative way to fund facilities will serve as a framework for how public-private partnerships can help the VA complete projects in a timely and fiscal responsible fashion."

The law authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to let local communities manage construction of VA projects, contribute the remaining finances and ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. It also sets up a pilot program to test this new model of construction with five initial projects.

"We must continue to work together to make good on our promise to ensure that our veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve," Klobuchar said.