Report Recommends New $278M Facility To End Legionnaires’ at Quincy Vets’ Home’

A task force is recommending the State of Illinois build a new facility at the veterans’ home in downstate Quincy where there’s been repeated Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. 

Governor Bruce Rauner defends how his administration has handled the outbreaks, even as residents have continued to get sick.

And now - a commission studying what to do about it has drafted a list of recommendations to address the plumbing and outdated facilities.

In a new draft report - a commission writes - quote - “it has become abundantly clear that new construction is the best solution for the health and safety of our residents and staff.”

The commission’s estimated pricetag for a new facility: $250-million - plus plumbing upgrades.

Several lawmakers have said they’ll make the money available - though it’s not clear where it would come from.

Legionnaires' has contributed to the deaths of 13 residents since 2015 and sickened dozens. It is carried by bacteria in water which is inhaled from water vapor.