Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 | 3:14 p.m.
Gov. Brian Sandoval said construction of the Northern Nevada Veterans Home could be delayed until 2017 unless Congress approves money for the project in this year’s budget bill.
The governor issued a statement Thursday saying the state has “taken significant steps” in getting ready for building the home in Reno. The Nevada Legislature allocated $14 million and now wants $33.5 million in matching money from the federal government.
The state has identified the land, an architectural drawing is in the final stages and detailed construction plans have been created.
He said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is working on its construction priority list to submit to Congress, which will make the final decision.
If the money is not included in the appropriations bill this session, Sandoval said, “We will hold a much higher place on the priority list next year and be in a better position to compete for funding in 2017.”
He has written letters to Nevada's congressional delegation and the chairmen of the Senate and House fiscal committees, urging their backing for the money in this year’s budget bill.
