The head of Kentucky’s Department of Veterans Affairs is hoping to hear soon on whether Bowling Green will be the site of a 90-bed long-term care facility for veterans.
Commissioner Heather French Henry says the state has submitted to the federal government a needs assessment for veterans in the southern Kentucky region.
Speaking after an address to the Bowling Green Noon Rotary Club Wednesday, Henry said if the federal VA gives its approval, she would then lobby state lawmakers to support the project in the next two-year budget.
“There is a grant matching fund process that takes place, so if they see the need and they give us a favorable outcome to the needs assessment that we’ve given, we’ll go to our state legislature and we will try to get the match for the money we’ve asked for.
Commissioner Henry says she’s hopeful the state will get the go-ahead soon.
“I have not gotten an official response, though they have called several times and we’ve been able to answer any questions they have. So hopefully, to me, that shows they have interest.”
Kentucky currently has three long-term care facilities for veterans in Hopkins, Jessamine, and Perry counties.
A fourth is scheduled to open later this year in Hardin County.
