Governor Warner Announces Construction to Begin Immediately on Veterans Care Facility in Richmond
Governor Warner Announces Construction to Begin Immediately on Veterans Care Facility in Richmond
Grant funds have been released for 160-bed nursing home care facility
Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released $14,749,800 in grant funds to the Commonwealth of Virginia to immediately begin construction of a new nursing home care facility for veterans. The 160-bed nursing home center will be constructed adjacent to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond.
"For years, Virginia's veterans have been calling for a second care facility in the state," said Governor Mark Warner. "It was the biggest issue I heard from veterans as I campaigned for this office. I'm extremely pleased that this day has finally arrived and work can begin on this long overdue center. Virginia has a large veterans community and a strong military tradition. This center will meet their health and care needs in the dignified manner they deserve."
The new facility will be called the Sitter-Barfoot Veterans Care Center, in honor of two Virginia veterans who both received the Medal of Honor for their service to our country. The facility will be a 160-bed skilled nursing care facility that will feature all private rooms.
Total costs for the project are approximately $22 million. The federal VA grant, awarded to the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs, will cover approximately 65 percent of the construction costs. During the most recent General Assembly session, the legislature approved Governor Warner's budget request of approximately $7.9 million to cover remaining construction and expansion costs.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services was created as a result of reform legislation proposed by Governor Warner and enacted with overwhelming bipartisan support by the 2003 General Assembly. On July 1, 2003, veterans benefits, cemetery, and care center functions were consolidated into a single agency to enhance the delivery of veterans services in Virginia. The State Approving Agency for Veterans Education became a part of the Department of Veterans Services on January 1, 2004.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Aug05/0803.htm