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By Terri Hendry 
 
(Carson City, NV) – State lawmakers took additional steps to build a new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. A key joint subcommittee approved two measures; one providing construction funding and another allocating money to operate the new home. If the full State Assembly and Senate agree with the joint subcommittee and, of course, the Governor signs the final approved budget, construction on the new home could being in July of this year.  
 
“It is truly 21st century design of assisted living in Reno,” said Kevin Burns, President of the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC). He added, “There will be a Memory Care unit in there. There basically won’t be anything that can’t happen in that home that happens in the finest facilities in this country, when it comes to taking care of people.” 
 
CLICK the link below to watch KTVN’s coverage of the Subcommittee’s approval: http://www.ktvn.com/story/35471651/legislative-subcommittee-recommends-funding-for-new-dmv-engineering-building-veterans-home 
 
On May 19, 2017 the joint subcommittee, Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means, approved the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget containing $36 million for construction of the new home. The construction funding has a lengthy history dating back to 2006 and 2009 when the VA approved and then confirmed the approval of the State’s grant application to build the skilled care facility in Sparks, Nevada. The VA grant required a 35% match of $14.1 million to qualify and receive an anticipated 65% in VA funding, totaling $32 million dollars. In 2015, lawmakers agreed to the $14.1 million dollar match setting the stage for 2017 Session.  
 
The match placed Nevada on a VA priority list. While Nevada continued to move up the list to receive the VA grant funding, The timeline on reaching the top of the list remains uncertain. It could take a few years or more and every year of construction delay, added an estimated $1-2-million in additional construction costs due to inflation. Since Nevada was continuing to move up the list with reimbursement from the VA anticipated, Governor Sandoval saw wisdom in building now to contain additional inflation costs. This would not only save taxpayers’ money, but there is a tremendous need as veterans are not being served due to a lack of skilled care facilities for them in northern Nevada. Right now, many of these veterans are being sent to other states taking them away from their loved ones and their community when they need those connections the most.  
 
In addition to construction, the joint subcommittee also addressed the operating budget for the new facility. On May 20, 2017, the Senate Finance and Ways and Means approved the operating budget which would appropriate $226,901 in FY 2018 and $7.4 million in FY 2019. In the first year, the recommended funding would support four new positions, in-state travel, office furnishings and operating costs for the new home. In FY 2019, the $7.4 million would pay for a management company to operate the home. It’s believed the management company will ensure the home is able to reach full census and be self-funded as soon as possible. It is also believed the management company will ensure quality staff is hired and reduce operational risk. 
 
If the project receives final approval, the NNVH will go out to bid, and a ground breaking ceremony will occur. Construction would begin with an aggressive timeline for completion anticipated in as little as 18 months.  
 
The new facility will not only benefit veterans and their families, it is expected to be a boon to the local economy creating approximately 125 jobs with an overall economic boost of approximately $33 million a year.  
 
The new facility will include a Town Hall/Community Center to serve as a gathering place for large community and veterans events. It will also include a  
Parade Ground for special ceremonies ensuring the facility is focal point of activity that highlights, remembers and honors northern Nevada’s veterans.