Michelle Lujan Grisham has come out squarely in favor of extensively upgrading an existing veterans’ home in Truth or Consequences that was originally built through the Works Progress Administration in 1936.
In announcing her legislative wish list for the winter 2022 session of the state legislature, the New Mexican Governor said she would like to see the building of a “state of the art, independent assisted living facility.”
The current one-story veterans’ home, located at 992 S. Broadway Street, has in recent years been plagued with a series of structural issues due to its age and use. Among those issues are poor ventilation, a lack of space, and restrooms that are not Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
Originally serving as the Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children, the building has belonged to the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services for the last 40 years.
Although earlier reports indicated that roughly $59 million in state funds would be needed for the upgrading project, Lujan Grisham is asking for $60 million to build new living quarters and otherwise improve the existing facility.
With that funding, said the Governor, “which we will leverage with an additional $60 million from the federal government,” New Mexico will be able to “build the kind of modern facility our veterans and their families deserve.”
Lujan Grisham’s proposal is expected to win passage in a 30-day session scheduled to adjourn on February 17.
By Garry Boulard
