Commission approves funding revision for West Tennessee Veterans Nursing Home amid schedule delays and financial questions

Warren Jasper, general counsel presenting for the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board, told the State Building Commission that the West Tennessee Veterans Nursing Home project — a planned 126‑bed intermediate and skilled nursing facility — has experienced schedule delays and requires a revision in funding to resolve compliance discrepancies and complete construction. "The West Tennessee Veterans Nursing Home Project is close to completing a 126 bed intermediate and skilled nursing facility for the veterans of Tennessee," Jasper said.

Jasper reviewed the project's history, noting prior SBC approvals for pre-planning and a guaranteed maximum price contract awarded in January 2022. He said the project experienced delays bringing water services to site and later compliance discrepancies between state and Shelby County; staff requested the commission approve a funding revision so work can be completed and compliance corrected. "This requested action will correct the compliance discrepancies and then anticipate the substantial completion to occur on 05/14/2026," Jasper said, but he added that "primarily due to a 15 week lead time needed for new generator parts" the facility may not be ready to accept residents until September.

Commissioners pressed staff on timing and finances. One commissioner summarized the practical effect: if the project finishes in July, resident move‑in is more likely in September; Jasper agreed. The presenter estimated it would take about "18 to 24 months" to fill the homes to capacity. Commissioners also raised network-wide financial pressures and asked whether reserve funds were in hand: Jasper said the system has "1,000,000 available." A commissioner responded, "I don't feel a lot of confidence when you say you have somewhere between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 available and there are contingencies," and requested a pro forma and three- to five-year financial projection, plus additional information on the Clarksville facility's $10,000,000 HVAC need.

After discussion, commissioners moved and approved the funding revision but directed staff to provide the requested financial detail and planning materials in the coming weeks. The commission on the record asked for follow-up at the executive subcommittee or funding board as needed.