Veteran’s Nursing Home in Beckley delayed by lack of federal funds
By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
“They are telling us we will receive the money someday,” said Secretary Ryan Kennedy, the new head of the Department of Veteran’s Assistance in West Virginia.
During a budget presentation to the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy included an update on the new veteran’s nursing home, saying the state is still waiting on federal funds.
“We’ve done everything our agency can do to prepare for that,” Kennedy told senators. “The federal money has not shown up. We’ve prepared the ground. When the federal government check shows up, we’ll be ready to move forward.”
In October 2023, then-Gov. Jim Justice and other elected officials broke ground at the site located behind Jackie Withrow Hospital on Eisenhower Drive. It includes 120 beds for veterans.
According to Kennedy, there are more than 120,000 military veterans living in West Virginia. They receive more than $3 billion in benefits annually.
“I’ve said more times than I can count that we owe everything we have to our veterans,” said Justice at the time, who is now one of the state’s US Senators in Washington. “We’ve got to take care of those who gave so much for us. This new nursing facility is going to mean the world to our veterans and their families who have needed this facility in Southern West Virginia for a long time.”
Senators press new Secretary of Veteran’s Assistance for answers
At Wednesday’s presentation, Sen. Glenn Jeffries (R, Putnam), said to Kennedy, “It is a little disappointing…So far what has been done on the project?”
Kennedy responded that the ground has been prepared, the plans are set, and the matching funds are set aside. His staff further stated that the environmental and historical preservation studies have all been completed.
“Did I hear you say you’ve done the site prep on the project?” Jeffries asked.
“We’ve done the site prep documents,” Kennedy’s staff replied.
“There hasn’t been a dozer on the ground?” Jeffries further clarified.
“No…So far, spending to date is $3.2 million on the design.”
Senator Rollan Roberts (R, Raleigh) asked, “Do we need to have our congressional delegation help us on the federal level? If they’re picking and choosing, I want to raise my hand.”
“What the VA tells us is do not sic your congressional reps on us, but it tends to help when you do,” Kennedy said. “It was frustrating to us too.”
Roberts continued, “It’s extremely disappointing. With everyone going on in DC are there any concerns with funding these projects?”
“We have no idea,” Kennedy said. “There’s frustration among the states. At least half the states have something they’re trying to get built. We asked and begged for a timeline. The answer was no.”
“Our veterans need it today,” Roberts concluded.
Stay tuned to RealWV for updates on this story.
