As expected, four cities submitted bids to host the new $121-million dollar Central Nebraska Veterans Home: Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and North Platte. The current home has been in Grand Island since it opened 125 years ago.

Governor Dave Heineman defends the decision to open the project to bids as a way to get the state’s residents the most bang for the buck. He also says it also continues a commitment to being fair and open in deciding where state facilities are located.

Kearney has offered a $10.1-million dollar incentive package of public and private funds and utility cost reductions, North Platte at least $4-million, and Grand Island at least $3.3-million. Hastings has not released its offer.