June 30, 2006

WASHINGTON - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) today announced the Jacobetti State Home for Veterans in Marquette will receive nearly $700,000 in federal funding to replace its emergency electricity generator and expand its system for suppressing fires.

"My administration is dedicated to protecting Michigan's Veterans," Granholm said.  "I am proud that the state is contributing the remaining portion of the money needed for these necessary upgrades to allow Jacobetti residents to live in the safest environment possible."

The funding from the federal government would subsidize 65 percent of the project and that funds from the state of Michigan would pay for the remaining 35 percent of the project.

"This funding will help ensure that in the event of a fire or other emergency, the folks at Jacobetti will be able to take care of their residents," Stupak said. 

The funding will allow the veterans home to switch out its old, emergency generator for a newer unit that will enable the home to provide all critical needs in the event of a disaster.  The funding will also allow the home to expand its fire suppression system, installing an anti-fire sprinkler in every room of the home.  While the facility previously had a fire suppression system that met federal, state and local codes, it did not have a sprinkler unit in every room. 

"This funding is critical to keeping our residents safe," said Brad Slagle, Administrator of the Jacobetti State Home for Veterans.  "We are happy to see this funding come through and thankful for the role the Governor and Congressman Stupak played in helping to secure the grant."

Stupak said that funding for veterans facilities is increasingly difficult to secure given budgetary cuts at the federal level.