LAS VEGAS – The Veterans Affairs Department announced a major restructuring plan Friday that includes $6.1 billion in spending increases, the closing of three hospitals and an upgrade of several outdated facilities.

The restructuring plan calls for building two hospitals, in Nevada and Florida, and closing three others, in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Mississippi. The agency also will add or remove medical services at dozens of other hospitals and clinics nationwide.

“How we care for those who have served, those currently serving and those yet to wear our nation’s uniform is how we define ourselves as a society,” VA Secretary Anthony Principi said Friday at a news conference.

U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine’s 2nd District both said they were pleased with the plan, which will enhance VA services in Maine.

Six new community-based outpatient clinics will be opened in the state, including a full-time clinic in Portland and part-time telemedicine clinics in Houlton, Dover-Foxcroft, Lincoln, Farmington and South Paris. The plan also will improve inpatient and specialty-care services at the VA center in Togus.