POST FALLS - Area veterans could learn on Monday whether Post Falls will be the future site of a state veterans home.

A meeting will be held on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls, regarding the possibility of a future site for a home. The public is invited.

"The consultant has concluded the feasibility study and will be giving its recommendations," said former Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, a veteran who has been working on the proposal for three years. "I am very hopeful Post Falls will get the nod."

Larkin said other areas are also being considered for the home, but he hasn't heard any city names.

About 200 people packed a meeting concerning the home last spring at the American Legion in Post Falls.

The Idaho Division of Veterans Services and a planning team have been developing a feasibility report for veteran care facilities in the state.

Post Falls proponents are hoping that an 88-bed home will be constructed in three to five years.

The closest Idaho vet home is in Lewiston. Others are in Boise and Pocatello.

Post Falls officials have said even though the home is envisioned to be located in Post Falls or somewhere in Kootenai County, it would serve veterans and their families in the entire Panhandle.

A site for the home on the west side of Highway 41 has been suggested, but no announcements have been made. Land must be secured before money will be awarded toward a facility. Federal funds will pay for 65 percent of the facility, while the state contributes 35 percent.

The total cost for similar facilities, including both building and land, has been about $20 million.

The Legislature earlier allocated $250,000 toward the feasibility study.

A veterans home in Spokane is at capacity and Idaho veterans generally aren't admitted there due to insurance hurdles.

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