Yesterday Sen. Justin Eichorn (R- Grand Rapids) and Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) joined a community celebration for the Bemidji Veterans Home sponsored by members of the Veterans Home Task Force. Last May, the state legislature passed $12.4 million in funding for the 70-bed nursing care facility after an outpouring of support from local veterans and residents. Republican legislators thanked community members for being persistent advocates for the project over many years.

“Since entering the Senate nearly two years ago the Bemidji Veterans Home has stood at the top of my priorities list for our district,” said Sen. Eichorn. “I’ve been blown away by the level of support this project has received from the community and the veterans that call our region home.”

“The local community advocates pushed this project past the finish line; I’m just happy to have done my small part. It’s nice to see something this important happen for our veterans after all they’ve sacrificed for us,” said Sen. Utke.

With state funding in place, a federal funding commitment is the next step needed before construction. The Bemidji Veterans Home will compete for funding nationally with other projects prioritized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.