SF 2803

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to veterans; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money
for the purpose of constructing, furnishing, and equipping a 21-bed special care
unit and additional clinical space at the state veterans home in Fergus Falls,
Minnesota.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin POLICY.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that there is a need for a 21-bed special care unit and additional
clinical space for use in the care and treatment of residents at the Fergus Falls veterans
home, especially for those residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias who
comprise nearly 59 percent of the population at the facility. It is estimated that nearly half
of the currently affected facility population will require these services in their lifetime.
new text end

new text begin The legislature further finds that this project is eligible for funding under the federal
State Home Construction Grant Program administered by the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA). Under this program, the VA will pay or reimburse 65 percent of
the total cost of the construction once the state has appropriated its portion, which is 35
percent. Because of the uncertainty of when the VA approval will occur, the legislature
has determined to fund the full amount of the project at this time, and directs the state
treasurer to reimburse the bond fund from the proceeds of the federal grant when it occurs.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $9,970,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of
veterans affairs for the purpose of constructing, furnishing, and equipping a 21-bed
special care unit and additional clinical space at the state veterans home in Fergus Falls,
Minnesota.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin BOND SALE AUTHORIZATION.
new text end

new text begin To provide the money appropriated in section 2 from the bond proceeds fund,
the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to
$9,970,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota
Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI,
sections 4 to 7.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin FEDERAL MATCHING GRANT; REIMBURSEMENT TO BOND
FUND.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of veterans affairs must apply to the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) for matching grant funding under the federal State Home
Construction Grant Program administered by the VA for the project described in section 1.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 4 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end