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Lisbon, N.D. (AP) Ground has been broken for a new 150-bed state veterans home.

The $25.6 million facility is expected to be finished in 2010.The state is providing $12.1 million, with the rest from the federal government.

Gov. John Hoeven's office said about 35 members of the North Dakota National Guard's 815th Engineer Battalion are working with heavy equipment to prepare the site near Lisbon for construction.

The governor, the state's congressional delegation, veterans and other officials attended Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony.

Sen. Kent Conrad also spoke to the state VFW convention in Dickinson, saying the demand for health care for veterans is growing and they deserve the best care possible.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-07-08 1644CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list