One of the capital improvements announced by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is to renovate the pavilion at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. (Photo: Steve Ranson/LVN)
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services is receiving funding for construction of four capital improvement projects included in Gov. Steve Sisolak’s 2021 CIP recommendations and approved during the 81st legislative session.
“These capital improvement projects are not only necessary but will greatly enhance the services we provide to our veterans and their families,” said Kat Miller, director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. “I can’t thank the governor and members of the Legislature enough for ensuring that we are able to provide the very best for the men and women who served our country.”
Each project will benefit veterans by enhancing the Northern and Southern Veterans Memorial Cemeteries and the facilities at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home. The projects total more than $9.1 million and include $2.7 million in state funds and another $6.4 million in federal funding.
The cemetery projects will provide improvements to the Southern and Northern Nevada cemeteries. At the NNVMC in Fernley, $297,774 will provide for the renovation of the pavilion, which is used during funeral services a for special events such as Wreaths Across America and Memorial Day.
In Southern Nevada, $4.1 million will be used to develop in-ground and columbarium wall cremation interments. This will create a new area of interment at the SNVMC that will be needed by the year 2025.
Two of the projects will upgrade and remodel the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home. Constructed in 2000, the skilled nursing care facility will receive more than $4.2 million for advanced planning to make improvements that will include turning shared bedrooms into private rooms with private baths. The upgrades will turn common areas into homelike settings and include a town hall concept that will provide restaurant-style eating opportunities.
Audio/visual equipment is included in the renovations to allow entertainment and movie theater opportunities for residents. Other improvements will include renovations of the parking lot, main entryway (including resident pick-up and drop-off area), kitchen, physical therapy room, as well as nursing stations and employee spaces.
In addition to the significant remodeling project, the home will also receive a new temperature control system. Approximately $445,600 is set aside to replace the home’s current 20-year-old digital system. SNSVH is located in Boulder City and serves veterans, spouses and Gold Star parents. In addition to offering skilled nursing care, the home offers a variety of programs including Alzheimer’s and dementia care that enhance the quality of life for residents.
