POST FALLS - Post Falls is making a run for a state veterans home.

"We have had preliminary discussions with the VA (Veterans Affairs) reps from Boise regarding the building of a vets home here in Post Falls as there are a very large number of vets in the area," said Mayor Clay Larkin, a Vietnam and Korean War veteran. "We have no doubt that the facility would fill fast and be a great addition to help our veterans. We will keep working on making it happen. We are in it for the long haul."

The closest veterans home to Kootenai County is the 66-bed facility in Lewiston. Other sites are the 66-bed home in Pocatello and the 131-bed facility in Boise.

There are an estimated 18,000 veterans in Kootenai County.

Fueling the optimism for a local home is that there is VA funding available for such a project. Larkin said property at low or no cost will be explored.

"We became aware that there's grant money that could be applied to this project," Larkin said. "That's what got us thinking that this would be the perfect time to ask for a veterans home. It's time for us to have our own veterans home.

"Based on the vet population in our area, we would probably be in the 66-bed category. Hopefully we can find 5 or 6 acres to build it on."

Larkin said city funds wouldn't be spent on the project and he's involved because he's a veteran and sees a need for such a facility in this area.

Local veterans groups will consider resolutions in support of building a home.

"That will help get the ball rolling," said Tamara Mackenthun, administrative support manager for the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. "Those groups are listened to a lot and, at the federal level, that will help. It is not entirely up to the state."

A needs assessment would then need to be conducted.

Mackenthun said her agency has a cash surplus and a veterans home in Kootenai County will be among the options evaluated.

"We're very much in the conceptual phase," she said, adding that it would take a year or two for the home to be built.