Walla Walla veteran home bill signed

WALLA WALLA — Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a bill to create a state veterans home in Walla Walla.

The new home will serve 10 counties with a combined population of more than 50,000 veterans and families. State Sen. Mike Hewitt said it will provide 93 permanent jobs.

The bill authorizes the state Department of Veterans Affairs to operate the 80-bed skilled-nursing facility providing long-term care for veterans, families, and parents whose children died while serving in the armed forces.

Once federal funds are secured for construction, the Walla Walla facility will join the other three state homes for veterans in Orting, Retsil and Spokane.

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