Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

Veterans' home site selection committee travelled to Deer Lodge Tuesday to listen to community leaders make a pitch for the new $11 million veteran's home.

Dozens of residents crowded into the new Elks Lodge to show their support.

The presentation included an overview of the two sites being proposed. Committee members later toured the sites. One of the sites is located off of East Side Road, which measures nine acres, is owned by Cal Warrington who is offering to donate the land. The other site is, also nine acres, is owned by the City of Deer Lodge and located at JC Park. The sites are valued at $200,000 each.

During the presentation, local committee members and community leaders took the podium to explain why Deer Lodge would be the best location for the home, with one volunteer citing the results of a recent survey.

Speakers also promoted the town's central location, veterans' services and programs, the availability of mental health professionals and the town's close proximity to larger hospitals.

But several committee members questioned whether a rural hospital could meet the needs of veterans with medical emergencies as patients are sometimes transported to hospitals in Butte and Missoula. Hospital CEO Alan Bird says new technology at the hospital can bridge that gap.

Warden of the Montana State Prison, Mike Mahoney, also gave testimony, saying the prison has not been compromised in any way when it comes to medical care in Deer Lodge.

On Wednesday the committee will travel to Boulder for Jefferson County's presentation. The meeting in Boulder will be held in the Catholic Center on South Elder Street at 9 a.m.

Butte's turn will be on Thursday at the War Bonnet Hotel from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Next week Anaconda and Dillon will make presentations.