CHAPTER 3

H.P. 293 - L.D. 373

An Act Eliminating the Receipt by the Maine Veterans' Homes

of Any Reimbursement from the MaineCare

Program for the Costs of Renovating the Existing 120-bed

Maine Veterans' Homes Nursing Facility in Augusta

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, the existing 120-bed nursing facility of the Maine Veterans' Homes in Augusta is almost 20 years old; and

Whereas, significant renovations must be made to that facility, such as renovations to ensure continued compliance with life safety codes, to remove asbestos, to replace heating systems, to replace windows and to replace the facility's roof; and

Whereas, the Maine Veterans' Homes has proposed these renovations to its Augusta nursing facility in the amount of $2,794,787; and

Whereas, the Maine Veterans' Homes can guarantee a contract price of $2,794,787 on these renovations to its Augusta nursing facility if it acts by February 17, 2003; and

Whereas, the Maine Veterans' Homes has secured federal funding in the amount of 65% of the costs of the renovations; and

Whereas, the Maine Veterans' Homes will lose its federal funding for the proposed renovations to its Augusta nursing facility if it can not proceed with a contract for the renovations in a timely manner; and