Tennessee Department of Transportation
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2004

Work Begins on Road to New East Tennessee Veterans Facility

“It’s the result of the combined efforts of many Tennesseans”

Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has begun preliminary work on an access road designed to serve the new veterans nursing home facility to be constructed in west Knox County.

“This much needed care facility for our veterans is the result of the combined efforts of many Tennesseans including Congressman John Duncan and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale” Bredesen said. “This road new road TDOT is building is a testament to the spirit of cooperation that has made this important project possible from the very beginning,” Bredesen said. “I appreciate the high priority the department has given to this project, as well as their continued partnership with the local community to make this happen. As a result, we’re one step closer to bringing East Tennessee veterans closer to their homes and families.”

The new veterans’ facility will be built off Pellissippi Parkway near the Westbridge Business Park. The access road will begin at State Route 62 (Oak Ridge Highway) and will run approximately 0.63 miles, terminating at the future hospital site.

The state announced the project last May, after working with federal officials, including Congressman John Duncan, Jr., to secure 65 percent of the building costs. Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale pledged the land and the remaining funding for constructing the 73,500 square-foot facility.

“Among the many services this nursing home will offer is a modern Alzheimer’s unit,” said Congressman Duncan. “In addition to helping our region’s many veterans, the facility will also bring 180 news jobs to the local economy. I am grateful for this promising beginning to the project and eagerly await its conclusion.”

TDOT is funding the access road, at an estimated cost of $1.75 million.

“The preliminary engineering work on the road site is getting underway now,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “The actual construction work should begin around the end of this year. We are happy to help pave the way for those who need access to this facility.”

Commissioner Nicely said the access road would be finished by the time the facility opens.

“The home will be finished and open for business by the end of 2005” said Mayor Ragsdale. “We’re happy to provide approximately $6 -million to make sure the veterans of East Tennessee have this much needed facility.”

“There are veterans’ homes in Murfreesboro and Humboldt, but none in East Tennessee,” said Rod Wolfe, the executive director of the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home Board. “We already have people waiting to get in there. This will be a huge relief to them and their families.”

Source: Tennessee Department of Transportation