News Releases for June 2008
June 07, 2008
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Hoeven, Delegation, Legislators, Veterans Officials Break Ground For New Veterans Home In Lisbon
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by the state's congressional delegation, state legislators, veterans and National Guard members to break ground for a new, $25.6 million, 150-bed Veterans Home in Lisbon. The state of North Dakota is providing $12.2 million for construction of the new facility, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is furnishing the balance of $13.4 million through a federal grant program.
In addition to the Governor, delegation and legislators, also in attendance were Norris Braaten, chairman of the North Dakota Veterans Home Governing Board; Governing Board member Maj. Gen. Darrol Schroeder; Brig. Gen. Bob Udland of the National Guard; and Administrator Mark Johnson of the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon.
"Our veterans sacrifice so much for our state and nation, and the North Dakota Veterans Home project is a way for all of us to say thank you in a very real and tangible way," said Hoeven. "Providing our financial and moral support gives us a great opportunity to show our appreciation to both current and future generations of North Dakota servicemen and women."
About 35 members of the National Guard's 815th Engineer Battalion are currently in Lisbon with bull dozers, graders, loaders, dump trucks and other heavy equipment to help prepare the site for construction. Other members of the 815th had been deployed in Iraq as part of the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper). They are among the Soldiers that returned to Jamestown early Saturday morning.
"Our Soldiers have been gaining valuable, real-world experience as they contribute to the initial phases of construction at the Veterans Home," said Brig. Gen. Robert Udland, North Dakota National Guard commander, Joint Training and Operations Command. "More than that, however, is the satisfaction we all feel in being able to contribute to such a needed, worthwhile project. It's an honor to serve those who have served before us in the Armed Forces."
"This new facility will enhance the quality of life for our veterans, and will expand the support and care services available to them and their spouses," said Mark Johnson, administrator of the North Dakota Veterans Home. "With improved accommodations, increased privacy and advanced care opportunities, our veterans will receive the support they need and deserve for the sacrifices they have made for this country."
The North Dakota Veterans Home was established in 1891 and has been in operation since 1893. It is owned and operated by the State of North Dakota. The existing facility, which was built in 1950, provides care to both North Dakota veterans and their spouses. The new home will remain on the current site, a 90-acre tract of land owned by the Veterans Home.
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