In the News

Arkansas will receive a $15 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to help fund construction of a new veterans home in North Little Rock, U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both R-Ark., and U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, announced Wednesday.

“This grant will help construct a new, state-of-the-art facility for our aging veterans,” Cotton said in a news release. “Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom. They deserve the very best care, no matter their stage in life.”

Boozman said, “Ensuring that Arkansas veterans receive the care they have earned is an important investment in our state. I remain committed to making sure our nation keeps its promise to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.”

Hill said, “Central Arkansas is home to many aging veterans that need constant and specialized care. I encourage the completion of this project in a quick and efficient manner so we can improve our ability to provide our veterans with the health-care services they need and deserve.”

A groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the planned $24 million Central Arkansas Veterans Home was held July 29. The home is expected to open in late 2016 or early 2017.

The 96-bed home will replace the Arkansas Veterans Home in Little Rock, which fell into disrepair before being closed in November 2012.

When the new home opens, Arkansas will again have two state veterans homes. The other is in Fayetteville and houses about 112 people.