VISN 7 News

Alabama Governor Accepts Federal Funds for

Improvements to State Veterans Home

MONTGOMERY -- Alabama received $1.49 million from the federal government for renovations and upgrades to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, Governor Bob Riley stated on Tuesday September 25th. Those funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cover two-thirds of the total cost of the improvements made at the veterans home located in Alexandria City.

"Our veterans are all heroes. They built this country, they protected it and never really asked for much in return. We honor their sacrifice by serving them and by demanding that they receive the care they deserve," said Governor Riley.

The project's total cost was $2.3 million, which was completely paid for by the State Department of Veterans Affairs until the federal check was presented to Governor Riley today by Deputy Assistant Secretary William McLemore of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy Assistant Secretary William McLemore presented the funds to Governor Riley and Commissioner Clyde Marsh of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs during a ceremony at the State Capitol. VISN 7 Director Lawrence Biro, Birmingham VA Medical Center YC Parris, Central Alabama Director, Robert Ratliff were also in attendance at the ceremony.

Several veterans attended the ceremony, including members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Governor Riley also said today the state is searching for a site in the Jefferson County-Shelby County area to build a new veterans home. Estimated construction cost for a new veterans home is $40 million of which $26 million will be covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The state's proposal for a new 280-bed veterans home was approved by the department earlier this year.

"We, as a state, are committed to building a new veterans home," Governor Riley said.

There are three veterans homes in the state. The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City opened in 1989. The Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville opened in 1995, as did the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette.

Each of the three veterans homes has 150 beds and provides skilled care nursing services. Each veteran at the homes is assigned a physician who closely monitors the veteran's plan of care. Vision and dental screening and specialized therapy services are provided in each home.