Veterans Home in Cape to receive $8.7 million grant for upgrades

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill announced Friday $8.7 million � part of a $25.5 million grant from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs � is being awarded to the state-run Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau for renovation and construction projects.

Missouri Veterans Commission public information coordinator Daniel Bell said the grant would be used for an �extensive renovation� of the current facility to replace many things dating back to when the home was erected in 1990.

Projects targeted for that funding, according to Bell, would include flooring, updating the HVAC system; new doors and windows; updating kitchen appliances in the dining area; painting rooms; updating the fire alarm system; and updating the nurse call system.

�It�s just basically more of a large renovation replacing the older, worn parts that are 20-plus years old,� Bell said. �We maintain as we go year by year as best we can, to make sure everything�s up to code. But this gives us a chance to fully replace everything with more modern equipment.�

Bell said there is a lengthy proposal submission and review process before the order to proceed is determined and the grants are paid out.

�We just have to wait our turn for where we come up on the list of projects,� Bell said.

The VA covers 65 percent of the construction cost, and the state pays the other 35 percent, Bell said.

�This funding will go a long way towards supporting much-needed renovations and upkeep that these facilities need to best serve our veterans,� McCaskill said in a news release.

The newly acquired funding will affect all the veterans who live in the 150-bed Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, according to Bell.

�But then it�s also going to affect those that will be coming in to the home in future,� Bell said.

He said the number of beds will stay the same, as there are currently no plans to increase the size of the facility.

�For the whole thing, it�s going to be anywhere from 18 months to two years,� Bell said.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632

Pertinent address:

2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.