New Veterans Home Proposed for Fillmore County
St Paul (KROC AM News) - An area state lawmaker who was instrumental in the opening of a veterans cemetery in Fillmore County is now seeking funds for a new project.
Representative Greg Davids is planning to sign on as the chief author of a bill during the 2017 session for a new veterans home in Fillmore County.
The Republican from Preston will seek $10-million in state bonding funds to help build the proposed 140 bed facility. Local, federal and private funds would also be sought to cover the cost.
“There is a significant need for a veterans’ home in southeastern Minnesota,” Davids said. “The nearest veterans home is in Hastings which is 75 miles away. Our state has a great need for veteran care, and this proposal would begin to address that demand.”
Davids says three communities - Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley - have expressed strong interest and have already looked at possible sites. He says it's likely the nursing home/long term care facility would also be available to veterans from northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin.
He plan to introduce the bill on the first day of the session.