FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Governor Beshear signed House Bill 24, legislation which appropriates $2.5 million to the Kentucky Department of Veterans’ Affairs (KDVA) for design and pre-construction costs for the Bowling Green Veterans Center, which will be a long-term, skilled nursing care facility.
“Our veterans are heroes to all Kentuckians,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Bowling Green Veterans Center will show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice in a tangible way, and I could not be more excited to get this project underway. Congratulations to Rep. Meredith on this milestone for the city.”
Rep. Michael Lee Meredith, the bill’s sponsor, said, “Bringing a veterans’ nursing home to Bowling Green has been a priority for me for five years and I am extremely happy to see that it will soon become a reality. There is almost no satisfaction like that of knowing the veterans of south central Kentucky—the men and women who have risked everything in service of our nation—will soon have a nursing home close to family and friends. HB 24 was one of the first pieces of legislation to pass the General Assembly this session and I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as Gov. Beshear. Without a doubt, this speaks volumes about why Kentucky is recognized as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation.”
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Keith L. Jackson, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, also underscored the important of the legislation, saying, “The signing of HB24 allows the KDVA to support more veterans in an area of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that is in need of a veterans center. We are excited about this opportunity to serve more of our state’s veteran community.”
The Bowling Green Veterans Center will be the fifth veterans center in the state. Construction will begin after the state receives federal match funding, expected later this spring. Once construction starts, it is expected to take approximately 2 years unless there are unforeseen delays. The facility is expected to have 90 beds, funding permitting.
Add Comment