Plan could bring upgrades to Missouri Veterans Home in Cape

The Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau could receive upgrades under a proposal by Gov. Jay Nixon expected to go before the state Legislature this spring.

The Legislature last year authorized increased bonding capacity for improvements to state buildings, including veterans homes, said Nixon spokesman Scott Holste, and this year the governor is asking for authorization to get the projects underway.

Nixon is proposing a new veterans home be built to help reduce the state's nearly 2,000-person waiting list for the homes and that several other facilities, including the veterans home in Cape Girardeau, receive renovations.

Projects at the Cape Girardeau veterans home would include improvements to nurses' stations, restrooms and resident kitchens, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Other facilities on the repair and renovation list are in the Missouri cities of Mexico, St. James and St. Louis.

The governor is proposing that a $50 million bond issuance pay for construction of the new home. A supplemental budget would include $14.5 million in bond proceeds to pay for the repairs and renovations.

Pertinent address:

2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO