VA Releasing $9.1 Million in Federal Funds for New Nursing Home, Duncan Announces

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2005

Washington, D.C. - The Department of Veterans Affairs is releasing $9.1 million for construction of a new veterans nursing home in Knoxville, Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., (R-Tenn.) announced today.

Duncan joined Governor Phil Bredesen, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, and over 300 veterans for the nursing home's groundbreaking in March.

These funds will allow work to continue on the 73,500-square-foot facility, which is located off Pellissippi Parkway in West Knoxville and slated for completion next fall.  The nursing home will provide 140 beds for veteran care, 20 of which are designated for Alzheimer's patients.

More than 215,000 veterans live in East Tennessee.  Although they represent over 40 percent of the state's veteran population, Tennessee's only veterans nursing homes are located in Murfreesboro in Middle Tennessee and Humbolt in West Tennessee.

In addition to providing more convenient long-term care for the area's veterans, the nursing home will generate 180 new jobs for staff members. 

Duncan secured federal support for the project by holding meetings with VA officials in Washington and pursuing the funding for several years.  At one point, Duncan instructed a member of his staff to call the VA daily for updates on the nursing home's status.

"The veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation deserve this nursing home," Duncan said.  "This project has been discussed for over 10 years, and I am pleased to see the VA release these funds.  East Tennessee's many veterans have worked hard to see construction on this project begin, and I look forward to attending the ribbon cutting."

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