STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27463 / SCR123
This legislation establishes the State of Idaho's commitment to request federal grants to expand the Boise
Veterans Cemetery and fund the renovation of multiple categorized life safety projects at the Lewiston and
Pocatello Veterans Homes.
The Veterans Cemetery Grant projects include construction of Memorial Walls in the upper portion of the
cemetery; survey of available sections for in-ground urn burial plots; and survey, design and construction of
two additional Columbarium Walls.
The State Home Construction Grant projects include a dining room expansion at the Lewiston Veterans
Home; doors and hardware replacement at the Pocatello Home; replacement of the residents' rooms and
shared bathrooms flooring in Lewiston; and installing an electric name badge and door security system at
both veterans homes in Lewiston and Pocatello. Depending on cost estimates, the Home Construction Grant
Program may also include a handrail for the Pocatello Home and upgrading the nurse call system in Lewiston
and Pocatello.
This resolution is necessary for the Idaho Division of Veterans Services (IDVS) to proceed with the application
for the federal grant funds to provide 100% of the allowable expansion costs at the Veterans Cemetery and 65%
of the allowable costs for the life safety projects at the Veterans Homes in Lewiston and Pocatello.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no fiscal impact at this time and no general funds will be used for the state match.
When the Cemetery Grant request reaches near the top of the federal prioritization list the State of Idaho
will need to appropriate 10% of architectural and engineering costs which will be reimbursed to the State of
Idaho following the grant award. The Legislature will also need to appropriate the cost for any non-allowable
reimbursed costs. The preliminary estimate for the Cemetery expansion and improvement is $665,000 in 2024
dollars. The IDVS expects the fund source for the 10% match and non-allowable costs to be from the dedicated
Veterans Recognition Fund and/or Cemetery Maintenance Fund.
When the Veterans Home Grant reached near the top of the federal prioritization list for the Homes projects
the State will need to appropriate 35% of the federal grant matching funds. The grant request to the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs will be for $2,138,137 of which $1,387,789 federal funds. The state match of
$748,348 will be sourced by previously approved IDVS dedicated funds for alteration and repair projects.
Contact:
Senator Todd M. Lakey
(208) 332-1317
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/03/2020, 9:37 AM