LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Architectural work has begun on the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, and state officials say they expect the project to qualify for federal funding.

John Hilgert, the state veterans’ homes director in the Department of Health and Human Services, says it’s prudent to move ahead with the design work as part of the federal grant process. Hilgert says starting the work will demonstrate the project’s readiness to federal officials.

State officials announced in January that they had chosen Wilkins Hinrichs Stober Architects of Kearney to be the lead architect for the new home. The new facility will replace the aging Grand Island Veterans Home.

The Kearney firm is to head up a team of nine specialized consultants that will provide all of the services required for the project.