SPARKS — Northern Nevada veterans have been waiting a long time for this. Now, the wait is over! Construction on the new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home will soon begin.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on July 17 at 10 a.m. at the site of the new facility at 2 Kietzke Lane, across from the DMV. Veterans and their families, as well as the public, are invited to attend.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Governor Brian Sandoval, Nevada Senator Dean Heller and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini. A special ceremonial gift will also be given, on a first come, first serve basis, to attendees to mark and remember the occasion. Several hundred people are expected to attend.
The need is great, for a skilled care facility for veterans in northern Nevada. Currently, there is only one such facility in the state: the 180-bed skilled care facility for veterans, which is in Boulder City and at capacity. There is no similar facility for veterans in northern Nevada.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are more than 80,000 veterans residing in northern Nevada. Statewide, the VA has identified a need for 649 skilled care nursing beds. State law mandates if an additional veterans home is authorized, it must be located in northern Nevada.
The new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) will address some of the need serving 96 veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents. It will be built on state-owned property.
With the final approval of the 2017 Legislature and the signing of the Senate CIP funding bill (SB 546) and the signature of Governor Sandoval on June 16 the $47.4 million project is ready to begin. Completion is expected in about 18 months.
With construction of this new facility, northern Nevada veterans will receive the skilled nursing care services they need to recover or receive dignified medical treatment in their final days. Veterans needing skilled nursing care can remain in a care facility near their family and friends, hastening recovery or providing comfort in their final days.
The community center/town hall and parade grounds will encourage and allow for large community and veterans groups to hold events as well as expand volunteer participation.
The project will create about 125 jobs including nursing and clinical care staff, therapy, food service, clerical, Veterans Services, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and information technology, etc.
Approximately 20-plus merchants and vendors will be engaged for fire/safety systems monitoring and service, medical equipment and supplies, food vendors, landscaping services, clinical care-physicians and nurse practitioners, pharmacy, laboratory and diagnostic services, beautician/barber, pest control, electrical service, furniture and finish contractors, painting, maintenance, etc.
Details on the ground-breaking event are still being finalized, including a parking map of the site.
Watch the front page of the NDVS website, NVVetNet, and the NDVS Facebook page, for the parking map in the days ahead. A special thanks to Reno's Cart Barn for providing free golf carts to serve as shuttles in the parking areas to take attendees to the event area. Additionally, special parking areas will be set aside for the handicapped as well as motorcycles.
The seating area will be under a large tent, however you're advised to wear sunscreen or bring a hat. Free coffee and water will be provided. Free baked goods will also be available courtesy of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 388 from Carson City, WAVE from Douglas County and the American Legion Post #1 from Reno.
