Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Sunday, April 6, 2003

KANSAS CITY, MO - Senator Kit Bond announced that he secured $1 million in federal funds for the development and construction of the Palestine Senior Citizens Center Assisted Living Project in the urban core of Kansas City. The money is included in the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill signed into law by the President in February. Bond made his announcement at a community meeting at the Palestine Senior Citizens Center.

“I am pleased to play a part in Reverend Abel's vision for the community," said Bond, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "By working together, this project will become a reality, and we will improve the quality of life for many seniors in Kansas City."

The federal funding will help the Palestine Economic Development Corporation build a 75 unit assisted living facility in the 33rd and 34th block of Montgall. The assisted living facility plans to offer a variety of assisted living services including therapy, counseling and food services for the residents.

The Palestine Commons will be the first development of its kind in the area for seniors who want to remain in their community. With nearly 10,000 residents age 65 and older living in the area, the new development will address an urgent and critical need in the community.

"I will continue working to improve the economic viability of our community," said Bond. "Together we can make our neighborhoods safer for our children and families, and keep our seniors in the communities they love and surrounded by the people who love them."

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.