Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that Minnesota is receiving $12.5 million from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for improvements at two veterans homes. The federal grants will reimburse the state for renovations that have been completed at facilities in Hastings and Silver Bay.

"We have an obligation to Minnesota veterans to provide services and facilities that, in a real way, demonstrate our appreciation for their contributions to this country," Governor Pawlenty said. "These grants will reimburse the state for needed upgrades at two of our state veterans homes."

The grants will reimburse the State of Minnesota for $10.7 million in remodeling costs for the Hastings state veterans home and $1.8 million for a new roof to the Silver Bay veterans home. The Hastings home projects included repair and replacement of HVAC and electric systems, new resident room floors, walls, and ceilings.

"This partnership between the federal and state government demonstrates a lasting commitment to Minnesota's veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson in presenting the check representing the VA's funding.

The Hastings Veterans Home is located on 140 acres with 16 buildings dating to the early 1900's. The home provides basic board and care with expanded clinical services for chemical dependency, dual diagnosis aftercare, mental health, and general assistance to an aging veteran population. In addition, the home provides a transitional living program with emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

The Silver Bay Veterans Home is an 85 bed skilled care facility that provides a full range of services including a special care unit for Alzheimer/dementia patients.

Minnesota veterans homes are also located in Fergus Falls, Luverne and Minneapolis.  The homes are available to veterans who served on active duty for 181 days or more.  Veterans must be Minnesota residents, have honorable discharges and demonstrate a medical need.  Some spouses of eligible veterans may also be eligible.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes Board oversees the five state veterans homes and works to ensure high-quality health care for veterans and their dependents. The homes are licensed as skilled nursing facilities and/or boarding care facilities. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are not part of the VA Medical Center, which is operated by the federal government.

Additional information about Minnesota's veterans homes is available at www.mvh.state.mn.us.