State V.A. facilities land $79 mil in stimulus money

Federal authorities are setting aside $79 million in stimulus money for veterans facilities in Illinois.

Congressional leaders say it'll go to six VA hospitals, three extended-care facilities and seven VA cemeteries.

The funds are drawn from the $787 billion economic stimulus package President Barack Obama signed last month.

Most of the money for Illinois, around $64 million, will go to hospitals. The Hines VA Hospital outside Chicago will receive the largest single payout of nearly $30 million. It'll be used for upgrades and repairs.

The VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville will get more than $13 million.

Among the cemeteries that will receive money is the Danville National Cemetery. It'll get around $800,000.