Governor’s Task Force Issues Final Report on Veterans’ Home

A state task force created by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to address the health and safety concerns at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy issued its final report Tuesday.

The Combined Veterans' Capital Needs Task Force recommendations include replacing the existing Veterans' Home facility with a new, state-of-the-art skilled nursing care facility that would house up to 300 residents, building a new, underground water loop that feeds existing buildings and new construction, developing an alternate water source and making improvements to the existing water treatment system.

The panel also recommends the purchase and renovation of an existing nursing facility near the vets home campus to provide a safe and comfortable temporary living environment for up to 180 residents.

The cost of complete reconstruction of the vets home has been estimated to cost between $202 and $245 million dollars. The approval and appropriation of funds by the General Assembly is required to move forward.

The Illinois Veterans' Home has been plagued by outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease since 2015.