Governor Ryan Announces Federal Reimbursements for Upgrades at Illinois Veterans Homes

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that the State of Illinois' Department of Veterans Affairs is receiving nearly $7.3 million from the federal government for efforts to improve the lives of veterans. The federal grants are a reimbursement from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs for work that has already been completed.

"I want to thank the Bush administration for this reimbursement. Illinois will continue to work with the federal government to provide services for the men and women who have honorably served our country," said Governor Ryan. "It is our responsibility to make sure that Illinois veterans are taken care of now and in the future."

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the State of Illinois has been awarded nine grants totaling $7,288,438. The grants are for federal assistance in the cost of renovation, construction and system upgrades at the Illinois Veterans Homes in LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy.

Governor Ryan directed the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to apply for the federal grant reimbursements almost two years ago. This announcement clears up a backlog of reimbursements due to the state for work done to improve veterans facilities and upgrade the quality of care for veterans in Illinois. The federal grants provide for up to 65 percent of the actual construction costs at veterans facilities.

The State of Illinois operates veterans homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. To qualify for services, veterans must have entered the military from Illinois or have been a state resident for at least a year prior to applying.