Tough Questions Expected On Vet's Home Costs

Governor Dennis Daugaard is calling a special legislative session for June 22nd to deal with cost overruns on a new Veteran’s Home at Hot Springs.  After bids were opened the cost jumped by 10-million dollars to 51-point-three million. District 20 State representative Lance Carson of Mitchell is vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He says it’s up to the legislature to approve the additional funding. Carson expects tough questions from lawmakers such as….

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Carson believes left over funds from the current budget year and higher than expected revenue will cover the cost. Daugaard is disappointed with the architect but says the extra $10-million dollars must be spent to build a quality facility. The state landed a $23.6-million dollar federal grant to help pay for the project but must have its share of the money in place by June 30th to keep it.