By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Pell City and Helena emerged as the front-runners Tuesday for the state's next veterans' nursing home.
The Veterans Home Committee of the state Board of Veterans Affairs heard presentations from Pell City, Helena and Tuscaloosa. But after the meeting, committee Chairman Ken Rollins said Pell City and Helena offered the most elaborate and impressive presentations.
State Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh agreed with Rollins' assessment. But he said all proposals will be studied.
The committee will vote Friday morning on which site to recommend to the full board, which meets immediately after the committee to decide on a location.
The board made it clear the location should be easily accessible to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Birmingham.
The department plans to begin design work in 2009 and open the home in 2011.
The state Department of Veterans Affairs has nursing homes for veterans in Huntsville, Alexander City and Bay Minette. Each has 150 beds and each has a waiting list for admission.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)