Vermont Veterans Home asks state lawmakers for emergency sewer repairs, updates major capital projects

Senator Plunkett of Bennington presided over the Senate Institutions committee on Jan. 27, where leaders of the Vermont Veterans Home briefed lawmakers on several capital projects and sought emergency money to repair failing cast‑iron sewer lines.

Melissa Jackson, chief executive officer of the Vermont Veterans Home, told the committee the facility discovered widespread deterioration of its cast‑iron drainage system after a summer sewer backup and "need[s] to replace about 7,800 linear feet of cast iron pipe," an emergency the home estimates at roughly $750,000 compared with a $500,000 figure in the governor's recommendation.

The request came as part of a broader status report on projects the legislature has funded. Jackson said a $230,000 appropriation for resident furnishings has seen $96,000 spent to date on beds, over‑bed tables and common‑area furniture, and the home is pricing roughly 30 wardrobes for rooms without closets. An HVAC project listed as air handlers or compressors had $710,000 appropriated, $446,000 spent and is about 65% complete; Jackson said the project is expected to finish around March 1 but noted three recently installed units have failed and the supplier Northeast Geo will inspect them next week.

Greg Suzanne, the home's director of buildings and grounds, described the sewer problem in technical detail: crews found sections of 4‑inch cast‑iron pipe that had scaled and rotted, some located in cramped crawlspaces with limited access. "There was about 60 feet of pipe ... It was completely sealed off with toilet paper, you know, feces, whatnot. It was a major mess," Suzanne said, explaining why full replacement — and a recommendation to upsize to 6‑inch PVC mains where practical — would improve flow and reduce future maintenance.

Jackson said the home has applied for VA construction grant funding for several projects. She described the VA program as covering about 65% of eligible construction costs with the state responsible for roughly 35% when a project is funded. The home's planned boiler project (state allotment about $4.5 million) is on the VA list; an RFP has been scored and contracting is underway with a planned summer start. A proposed 30‑bed "A‑wing" carries a design estimate near $49 million with the VA/state split Jackson described at roughly 65%/35% (approximately $32 million VA, $17.2 million state), but she and staff warned that construction‑cost inflation and federal funding limits may require revised estimates.

Other items: an elevator project (about $1.5 million) has gone to RFP but received no bids and will be reissued; a $150,000 appropriation replaced washers and dryers (about $96,500 spent) and a separate $340,000 laundry‑build design RFP is forthcoming. Jackson said unspent HVAC funds were intended to 'float' to the laundry build if needed.

Senator Joe Major of Windsor cautioned the group about reliance on federal VA funds amid what he described as reduced VA construction funding, urging the home to sharpen estimates and procurement. Jackson said she will meet with VA representatives during an upcoming trip to Washington and with state procurement contacts before formally requesting a state match so lawmakers receive firm numbers.

No formal vote was taken on the emergency request during the hearing; the committee did not act and adjourned after the presentation. Jackson also closed with positive news about care quality: she said the home received the American Health Care Association's Silver Quality Award and was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 rankings as one of Vermont's best nursing homes.

The presentation provided lawmakers with project timelines and budget estimates; committee members signaled interest in inspecting affected basements and asked staff to return with firmer cost figures before the home seeks a state match or supplemental appropriation.