LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Kearney City Council has voted to turn over to the state land where the Central Nebraska Veterans Home will be built.

Mayor Stan Clouse on Monday night called the action the “first point of no return.” The 75-acre site sits on the northeast side of Kearney, not far from the airport.

Kearney beat out Grand Island, Hastings and North Platte for the home, which will replace the old one in Grand Island. Kearney committed $8.5 million in direct funding and utility cost reductions for the $121 million project, and Buffalo County officials pledged $1 million more.