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caid program.
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SD House shifts money for new state Veterans Home
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota House unanimously approved a bill Monday that would use a windfall in state revenue to pay the state's share of constructing a new Veterans Home in Hot Springs.
• The campus dates back to 1889, and the renovations include the demolition of two buildings along with the design, construction and equipping of a new one. The new building will have 100 beds for nursing care and assisted living. The facility, which will be open to South Dakota veterans, is expected to be ready for residents in early 2016.
• The project is being financed with $23.6 million in federal funds and $16.4 million in state funds. The state had planned to issue bonds to pay its share, but extra one-time revenue will allow the state to pay its share in cash rather than by issuing bonds.
• State officials have said the bill does not seek extra money, but just avoids issuing bond debt.
• Bids last year exceeded projected costs, but state officials worked with an architect and construction company to bring the price down to $41.3 million.
• The $16.4 million in state money comes from a windfall of unclaimed property and the relocation of two large banks to the state. A federal Veterans Administration grant provided most of the remaining funds.
• The measure next goes to the Senate.
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Obama to act on Keystone in next couple of months
MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama told governors at a White House meeting Monday that he expects to decide on the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada in the next couple of months, two Republican governors said.
• Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, who chairs the National Governors Association and supports Keystone, said she asked Obama about the pipeline at a meeting with about 40 governors.
• Obama told her he expects a decision "in the next couple of months," but didn't offer a specific timetable, Fallin and Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman said.
• Obama's comments were the most specific he has been in recent months about (Continued on page 23)
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