VA Secretary Nicholson Presents Check to State Officials
WASHINGTON – Ensuring that Connecticut provides state-of-the-art residences for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing $21,985,495 in grant money to build a new 125-bed nursing facility at the state veterans home in Rocky Hill.
To underscore VA’s commitment to the state’s veterans, the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, traveled to the Rocky Hill facility today and presented a check representing VA’s funding to Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Joining Nicholson at the presentation were Reps. Rob Simmons, Rosa L. DeLauro and Nancy L. Johnson.
"This grant honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Connecticut who have served in uniform," said Nicholson. “Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to provide caring and comfortable environments for our veterans.”
In fiscal year 2005, VA spent about $605 million in Connecticut to serve the state’s 260,000 veterans. VA operates major medical centers in Newington and West Haven, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the state.
VA’s grant covers 65 percent of the estimated $33.8 million cost for the new facility.
Connecticut's veterans home is available to veterans who served on active duty for 181 days or more. Veterans must be Connecticut residents, have honorable discharges and demonstrate a medical need. Some spouses of eligible veterans may also be eligible.
Further information about Connecticut's veterans home is available on the Internet at www.ct.gov/ctva/.
