A judge has sided with the City of Bakersfield, giving the green light for a new $40 million Veterans Affairs clinic.

The project has been tied up in court for several years.

Two groups challenged the city over concerns about disturbing Kit Fox habitats, but on Tuesday, a Kern County judge rejected their claims.

The ruling allows Bakersfield to move forward with construction, however the petitioners have thirty days to file an appeal.

The new clinic will be built on Knudsen Drive and will bring specialty care to local veterans who now travel to Los Angeles for services.