Walla Walla Veterans Home receives Final Grant Approval

For Immediate Release

Date:            July 23, 2015 
Contact:       Heidi Audette
Phone:         360-725-2154

OLYMPIA — Washington’s veterans received formal notification that the federal grant for the Walla Walla Veterans Home has been awarded to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA).  This was the final step in the State Veterans Home Grant process and allows WDVA to submit claims for reimbursement.

 “Our State has a rich history of providing for the long-term care needs of our veterans, dating back to 1891, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide these services to veterans in Southeastern Washington,” said Lourdes E. (Alfie) Alvarado-Ramos. “Our location at the Walla Walla VA Medical Center means that veterans will have access to a wide range of health care options and services, ultimately enriching their quality of life.”

This $23,966,546.89 grant represents the federal portion of funds to build the 80 bed long-term care veterans home in Walla Walla.  The Washington State Legislature also re-appropriated state capital funds totaling nearly $14.4 million during the 2015 Legislative Session. 

The project is a unique federal / state partnership because it is co-located on the grounds of the VA Medical Center in Walla Walla.  A portion of land on the VA Medical Center campus was transferred to the State of Washington, allowing the facility to be constructed and operated by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

WDVA celebrated with the Walla Walla community at a groundbreaking ceremony on July 1, and construction is proceeding with the Absher Construction Co.  WDVA plans to open the Walla Walla Veterans Home in the Fall of 2016.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs currently operates three Veterans Homes in Orting, Retsil (near Port Orchard) and Spokane.  These homes provide short-term Medicare rehabilitative care and longer term nursing level care.  Veterans and in some cases their spouses, widows and Gold Star Parents are eligible for care in a State Veterans Home. 

Additional information on Washington State’s Veterans Home, including eligibility, is available at http://www.dva.wa.gov/veteran-homes/walla-walla-veterans-home .

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