U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, announced $1.4 million in funding from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to fund construction projects at the Connecticut Veterans Home in Rocky Hill through the VA State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program. The funding mainly will be used for ADA upgrades.

"These federal dollars will modernize and update the Connecticut Veterans Home in Rocky Hill for the veterans living there," the lawmakers said. "Connecticut veterans have courageously served our country and deserve to live comfortably in homes that are both modern and safe. We applaud the Department of Veterans Affairs for making this wise investment in our veterans and will continue to advocate for funds that will benefit veterans across our state."

The state's Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi said, "We look forward to securing these federal funds in support of improving the lives and safety of our Connecticut veterans."

According to the VA, the new funding can be used where needed for repairs, renovation or new construction, and is part of a larger spending package that represents the largest allocation to the 50-plus-year-old State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program. Funding for the program has averaged $94 million over the last five years. The program provides up to 65 percent of the cost to build or renovate facilities.