Frankfort, Ky – On Feb 15th, at the State Capitol, Gov. Andy Beshear joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to sign House Bill 2. The measure provides much-needed support to complete the Bowling Green Veterans Center, which will provide compassionate care for Kentucky’s veterans.

In November 2022, Gov. Beshear joined federal, state and local leaders to break ground on the Bowling Green Veterans Center. House Bill 2 dedicates an additional $16,630,000 in fiscal year 2022-2023 from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund to previously appropriated budget items to complete construction of the $53 million Veterans Center in Bowling Green. The center is expected to be completed in 2024.

The Veterans Center will create 120 new jobs and will be the state’s fifth long-term skilled nursing care facility. The 80,000-square-foot facility will provide 60 beds and is being built on 25 acres donated by the Inter-Modal Transportation Authority at the Kentucky Transpark in Warren County.

The Governor said efforts have been underway for more than 10 years to locate a state veterans home in Bowling Green.

“Supporting our veterans is a sacred duty, one that I have made a priority during my administration,” said Gov. Beshear. “On Feb 15th, is another example of how, when we work together, we can do what’s right for our people – especially our heroic veterans. I hope we, as Kentuckians, can commit to the hard work of being worthy of their sacrifices, which sustain us.”

This new center will provide compassionate care for Kentucky’s veterans through state-of-the-art equipment, physical therapy and recreational activities. The single-story skilled nursing facility was designed using the federal Department of Veterans Affairs’ small-house design, which provides a private suite for each veteran and will include common living and support areas.

“I am thrilled that, with the passage of HB 2, we finally have the full funding in place for this new Bowling Green veterans home,” said Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson of Bowling Green. “More than a decade in the making, we have broken ground and can now look forward to the completion of this wonderful, much-needed new facility to support our veterans and their families.”

“I think it says a great deal about our commitment to Kentucky’s veterans that one of the first bills to become law this session provides the funding necessary to complete the Bowling Green nursing home,” said Rep. Michael Meredith of Oakland. “I am extremely grateful to my colleagues in the legislature, the Governor and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs for their part in making this possible. However, I also want to recognize the folks in Warren County who worked for years to see local veterans get quality care close to home.”

“On Feb 15th’s signing demonstrates Kentucky’s enduring promise in honoring the sacrifices and service of our great veterans and their families, and the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing compassionate long-term specialty healthcare for our aging and most vulnerable veterans,” said Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) Commissioner Whitney Allen.

“We consider it an honor and a privilege to care for America’s heroes that call Kentucky their home,” said Mark Bowman, executive director of the KDVA’s Office of Kentucky Veterans Centers. “Each and every day our committed staff go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care and services for our veterans. We look forward to the opportunity to serve veterans of Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky, and we are extremely grateful for the passion and commitment from everyone that made this day possible.”

Support for Veterans
Since day one, Gov. Beshear and his administration have been committed to supporting Kentucky’s military community and families.

The Governor has signed legislation that simplifies the job certification process for military spouses; expanded the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund; improved leave benefits for state employees who serve in the military and added seven active military unit license plates to the 28 military-related plates that were already available.

The Governor approved funds to support the Bowling Green Veterans Center, the Homeless Veterans Program, staffing at four of the veterans cemeteries, and a permanent memorial honoring Kentucky Medal of Honor recipients at the Campus of Freedom’s Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

The administration is also supporting veterans’ organizations through the Veterans Program Trust Fund, which has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to partners like Honor Flight Bluegrass, Honor Flight Kentucky, the Louisville Chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans and the Homeless Veterans Trust Fund.

To help lift up members of the veteran community who are struggling, Kentucky joined the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Last year, the Governor also broke ground on a new Louisville VA Medical Center campus. The new center is set to include a Women’s Health Clinic to better serve our female veterans, who deserve not just the best care, but specialized care.