Minn. vets groups make case for construction money
Published 10:34 am Friday, April 19, 2013
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota veterans groups are exerting pressure on state lawmakers to come through with money for a proposed facility for veterans needing intensive care.
The $54 million project on the Minneapolis veterans’ home campus is part of a construction plan put forward by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. But it was left out of a House proposal nearing a floor vote. Representatives from service organizations planned to sound off Friday.
The skilled-nursing facility would be built on the site of one slated for demolition. It would have 100-beds.
But House Capital Investment Committee Chairwoman Alice Hausman has questioned whether a centralized facility makes the most sense when there are almost 900 veterans on waiting lists around the state. She says lawmakers should discuss whether to build smaller facilities in more places.
