SCHWARTZ FIGHTS DISPLACEMENT OF VETS at HOMELAKE CENTER
DENVER-- The Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake in Monte Vista has been undergoing a renovation for several months. The 30 residents who are military veterans were relocated to temporary facilities, however, the closure of the center has been proposed as a budget cut to address the State’s budget deficit. Homelake is a Veterans Administration facility.
DENVER-- The Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake in Monte Vista has been undergoing a renovation for several months. The 30 residents who are military veterans were relocated to temporary facilities, however, the closure of the center has been proposed as a budget cut to address the State’s budget deficit. Homelake is a Veterans Administration facility.
After learning that the State would forfeit the remainder of a $4.1 million federal grant for the renovation, Senator Schwartz has begun meeting with executive department personnel and the Governor’s office to push for the completion of this project and the ultimate return of the vets to Homelake.
“At a time the state needs every dollar, we cannot afford to put ourselves in a position where we are returning a federal match of 65% and the $350,000 that has been received to date. It is imperative that we finish the life safety improvements and return these honorable vets to their domicile.”
Additional Facts:
The domiciliary program is currently under a provisional certification due to life safety deficiencies that will be corrected by the renovation project. The federal grant program provides 65% of the project funding, requiring a 35% match. If state matching funds are delayed or reverted, the State will be in default of its contract with the VA to provide state matching funds and to maintain a certified VA domiciliary operation within the facility.
The domiciliary program is currently under a provisional certification due to life safety deficiencies that will be corrected by the renovation project. The federal grant program provides 65% of the project funding, requiring a 35% match. If state matching funds are delayed or reverted, the State will be in default of its contract with the VA to provide state matching funds and to maintain a certified VA domiciliary operation within the facility.
Senate Chamber State of Colorado Denver
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
CONTACT
Senator Gail Schwartz (303) 866-4871/ gail.schwartz.senate@gmail.com
