Governor signs bill to build new veteran care facility
May 25, 2021
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BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday signed a $400 million spending bill to finance construction of a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to replace the facility that was the site of one of the deadliest coronavirus outbreaks at a long-term care facility in the nation.
The new facility would replace a building that dates to the 1950s, which some said contributed to the deaths last spring of 76 veteran residents who contracted COVID-19, Masslive.com reported. A 77th resident died of the disease in December.
“As you know, it is imperative that the reconstruction of a Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke take place as soon as possible. Massachusetts veterans need and deserve a home that fully provides for their health, safety and comfort,” Baker wrote.