The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) has conditionally approved the state’s application for federal assistance to build a 100-bed State Veterans Home in Black Mountain. Conditions for the $14.6 million award include finalizing design documents, approval by involved state agencies, and advertising and award of construction bids.
“This facility will go a long way toward providing the long-term, skilled care that our veterans deserve,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “The collaboration between the Department of Administration and Department of Health and Human Services to identify an appropriate site already owned by the state is a great example of government working for the people.”
The amount of $14,632,787 has been set aside by the USDVA for the Western North Carolina project, according to a letter of award from USDVA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. Last month, the USDVA announced that $12,119,575 in federal matching funds have been set aside for a similar facility in Kinston. Both projects are funded by appropriations through the N.C. General Assembly and funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
There are two State Veterans Homes presently in North Carolina, one in Fayetteville and the other in Salisbury. Each of the new facilities will provide residential care for up to 100 veterans and will employ 150-170 staff.
