State takes step toward rebuilding Illinois Veterans Home

Peoria, IL, USA 1470 & 100.3 WMBD

Oct 7, 2019 | 5:57 AM

FILE -In this Sept. 10, 2015 file photo, contractors assemble pipes to flush out a fire hydrant beneath the water tower at the state veterans home in Quincy, Ill. State records show Illinois is spending at least $2.3 million to fix the water system linked to a Legionnaires disease outbreak that has killed 13 residents at the Quincy veterans home. An audit has criticized the state's response to the Legionnaires' disease outbreak at the Quincy veterans' home that caused 13 deaths. Auditor General Frank Mautino's report Monday found fault with a six-day delay between confirmation of a second case of Legionnaires' at Quincy in August 2015 and specific instructions to nursing staff to protect residents. He recommended that the Illinois Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Public Health develop strict notification and monitoring procedures. (AP Photo/Alan Scher Zagier, File)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – State officials say they will issue a request for proposals next month to rebuild the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.

The $230 million planned overhaul follows deadly outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease that started in 2015.

It is the oldest and largest veterans’ home in the state with over 300 residents.

Plans for a replacement facility will happen in several stages . Demolition of some buildings began last year.

The state’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Illinois Capital Development Board say vendor forums will provide details on the design and building opportunity.