SAINT PAUL – On Tuesday, members of the Minnesota Legislative Advisory Commission sent a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans approving the agency’s plans to spend pending federal grant funds for the construction of three veterans homes in Minnesota. Per state law, the Legislative Advisory Commission is authorized to review and grant requests by state agencies for the use of federal funds.

“The Legislature has provided the state’s funding for three new veterans homes,” said Senator Bruce Anderson, Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. “Although we are awaiting federal funding to complete this project, I am proud of the work accomplished to meet our end of the deal. Our veterans and communities will see great benefits from this expansion.”

In 2018, the legislature passed $32 million in state funding for the construction of new veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. Combined with local matching funds, the state’s contribution represents approximately 35 percent of the total construction costs.  In March, after extensive community input and fundraising, the state submitted its grant application to secure the remaining federal funds. The pre-design stage is currently underway for each planned home, with the homes expected to be fully operational and occupied by the end of 2021. The total cost for the Montevideo home is expected to be $48.5 million.

“We have promised better to our veterans and this is one step towards delivering on that promise,” added Senator Anderson.