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Costa Announces $92 Million for Fresno Veterans Home

October 4, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Calif.) announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $92 million for the construction of the Fresno Veterans Home. Final approval of the funding was delayed due to state budget cuts that prevented the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) from honoring several provisions in the initial grant agreement signed by the state in March.

In July, Congressman Costa called on VA Secretary Erik Shinseki to renegotiate the grant agreement and to ensure California received the funding for the home. The funding was approved thanks to the successful renegotiation of the grant agreement.

"The new Fresno Veterans Home is a promise we made to the veterans of Fresno and the surrounding communities, and today's announcement helps ensure we keep that promise," Costa said. "Secretary Shinseki and CDVA Undersecretary for Veterans Homes Robin Umberg deserve praise for renegotiating the grant agreement and approving this critical funding. This funding moves us one step closer to finally opening this home that is very much needed forour men and women who bravely wore the uniform of the United States."

Plans for the Fresno Veterans Home include a 120-bed nursing home and a 180-bed domiciliary. The home is being constructed on time and under budget with an April 2012 expected completion date.

The funding, awarded through the VA's Home Grant Program, will reimburse California for 65% of the total cost of the home's construction, estimated to be $141 million. Construction of the home has created nearly 1000 jobs in the Fresno area.

Click here to find a copy of Costa's letter to Shinseki.