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a total project cost of $51.3 million.
• "Needless to say, I am very disappointed with our architect. My priority is to build a durable, quality facility for our veterans -- they deserve nothing less," Daugaard wrote. "I do not believe that we can cut $10 million from our plans and still build the facility that we need."
• However, the Republican governor said state government has enough money to cover the cost overrun, which means construction need not be delayed. He said the state's projected surplus at the end of the budget year on June 30 will be sufficient to cover the extra cost.
• Daugaard said state officials believe tax revenues will be $7 million to $10 million higher and state expenses will be $7 million to $10 million lower than projected earlier. He said he will ask lawmakers to appropriate a portion of those funds to cover the extra costs of building the Veterans Home.
• The project will build a 100-bed home in Hot Springs on the same property as the current facility.
• Legislative leaders said they expect lawmakers will approve Daugaard's request to spend the extra money on the project.
• "We've got to get the home built. It's a wonderful facility in that community that provides outstanding care for old soldiers, men and women," House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff said.
• "There will be broad support for getting it done, but there will be a lot of questions. You know, why did we come up 25 percent short in the estimates?" said Hunhoff, of Yankton.
• Hunhoff also said some lawmakers will question why the state is ending the year with such a large surplus when Daugaard and the Republican legislative majority did not provide a sufficient increase in state aid to school districts.
• House Republican Leader David Lust, of Rapid City, said the faulty construction estimate was unfortunate, but lawmakers have to appropriate the extra money so construction of the new Veterans Home can start this year.
• Daugaard said he is talking with legislative leaders about setting a date for the special session, which he believes can be completed in just one day.
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