With $5 million in federal funds, the state Department of Veterans Affairs plans to renovate three buildings on the Rocky Hill campus for temporary veterans housing.
The project is to provide up to 46 bedrooms for veterans and their families in three existing buildings, Deputy Commissioner Joseph D. Danao II said Tuesday. The facilities are meant to help veterans in a variety of circumstances, Danao said, from U.S. Navy sailors transitioning to civilian life after service at the Groton submarine base to homeless veterans and their families.
The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and all funding must be contracted by Dec. 31.
“Whatever money is not obligated by the end of year, we have to give it back,” Danao said, “so we’re working really hard with our partner state agencies to execute this and get the most out of this program for our veterans.”
The work is to include assessment and abatement of asbestos and lead, renovations that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, painting, and purchase of appliances and furniture. The project includes 11 three-bedroom apartments and rooms paired around shared bathrooms.
The buildings, which date to about 1940, are in fairly good shape and originally housed agency staff, Danao said. Veterans have occupied some of the rooms within the past year, while other spaces have been vacant for a decade or more.
Department staff is working with state legislators, the state…
