<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2006</p><p>VA Awards $3 Million Grant for Connecticut Veterans Home WASHINGTON – Ensuring that the State Veterans Home in Rocky Hill, Conn., remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today a grant of $2,990,000 for renovations. "This grant honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Connecticut who have served in uniform," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to provide caring and comfortable environments for our veterans.” The grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost to replace the main water supply system at the state facility. The overall cost of the project is about $4.6 million. In fiscal year 2005, VA spent about $605 million in Connecticut to serve more than 260,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Newington and West Haven, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the state. Connecticut's veterans homes are available to veterans who served on active duty for 181 days or more. Veterans must be Connecticut residents, have honorable discharges and demonstrate a medical need. Some spouses of eligible veterans may also be eligible. Further information about Connecticut's veterans home is available on the Web at www.ct.gov/ctva/ . # # #</p>