FRANKFORT — The State Senate passed its version of the budget bill on Friday and included in it was money that will be used to help fund the replacement of the Glasgow State Nursing Facility on State Avenue in Glasgow.
“There is $2 million of bond funds to provide for the design and planning (of the facility),” said Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, Monday morning.
The money set aside by the Senate, however, is only a drop in the bucket.
“This initiates the process and moves it forward,” Givens said.
It will take close to $18 million to fund the replacement of the facility, which has structural issues. A masonry project conducted in 2004 revealed the building has some structural issues and state officials have struggled over the last couple of years to come up with the money that would fund building repairs.
“The challenge right now is to get it through the House,” he said.
The bill is expected to go before the House Monday.
“It will stay in there. This is the third time we’ve put it in there. We’re absolutely going to keep it in there,” said Rep. Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow.
Bell said he has spoken with other state legislators about the project and the urgent need to get money appropriated for the project to not only save the facility, but to continue providing care for the patients there and to retain the jobs the facility provides.
“Everybody knows it’s of the utmost importance,” he said.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services requested bond authorization for a capital project to replace the nursing home during the 2009 General Assembly session, but the money was not appropriated. Instead, there was language in the budget bill that directed the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to develop and submit a plan to the Legislative Research Commission on Dec. 1, 2008 relating to the replacement of the nursing facility.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services submitted the report and stressed its recommendation was to construct a replacement facility on the nursing home’s current grounds.
The facility was built in the mid-to-late 1960s and once served as a hospital for patients suffering from tuberculosis. Patients who now live at the nursing facility suffer from mental illness/mental retardation diagnoses. A masonry project conducted in 2004 revealed the building has some structural issues and state officials have struggled over the last couple of years to come up with the money that would fund building repairs. When Givens and Bell spoke to members of the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce in April, Bell explained that the building’s structural issues stem from a lack of rebar in the concrete.
Bell said Monday morning he has not seen the Senate's draft of the bill. The original plan called for the facility to remain state-run, he said.
“That’s the way we put it in the budget. I don’t think they would have changed that any, but as you know that is something that has been an issue as to whether it will be a state-run facility or a private-run facility,” Bell said.
But according to Givens a decision has not been made as to whether the facility will be state-run or privately-run.
“We have not addressed those questions,” he said.
The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene Monday afternoon.
Local News
Senate passes funding for nursing facility
- Local News
-
-
Community remembers
There were a variety of emotions Wednesday night as Glasgow alumni members strolled the halls of the former high school one last time.
-
Fire leaves owner asking, ‘What’s next?’
A fire that destroyed Coffey’s Concrete Products on May 10 left the owners of the 30-year-old business with decisions to make.
-
Lyle will be Memorial Day speaker
Not many veterans can say they didn’t accomplish enough during their time in the United States Marine Corps, but retired Sgt. Maj. Travis Lyle can.
-
Youth theater group brings Grimm production to stage
It’s no longer just Disney and Nickelodeon that make shows by children for children.
-
Monroe County man wins 53rd District
A Monroe County businessman won the Republican primary race Tuesday to represent the Kentucky House of Representatives’ 53rd District.
-
There are many reasons for massive Massie win
Thomas Massie credits his 19-point win over more established opponents in Tuesday’s 4th Congressional District Republican Primary to a coalition of groups and his message of smaller government.
-
Evening Update: Scotties beat ACS for 15th District championship
The Glasgow Scotties baseball team beat the Patriots of Allen County-Scottsville by a score of 3 to 1 to take the 15th District title on Wednesday evening. See more in the Thursday print and e-editions of the Glasgow Daily Times.
-
Evening Update: Lady Scotties win district championship
The Glasgow High School Lady Scotties softball team won the 15th District title Wednesday afternoon by defeating the Allen County-Scottsville Lady Patriots, who were ranked No. 1 in the state, by a score of 1 to 0.
-
Gardner beats Davis
John Gardner was admittedly nervous before the polls closed on Tuesday night.
-
Givens fends off Butler
The Tea Party did not prevail in Barren County or across the 9th Senate District as incumbent Senator David Givens kept his seat against Tea Party challenger and Metcalfe County native Don Butler.
- More Local News Headlines
-
NYPD: Person Implicated in Etan Patz Death
Raw Video: Fire on Nuke-powered Sub in Maine
Illegal Burn Suspected in Nevada Fire
Obama: 'We've Got More Work to Do'
Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
