Rep. Michelle Strinden (R-Fargo)
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – The North Dakota House has approved $500,000 in state general funds for the construction of the “Fisher House” in Fargo.
“The Fisher House is like a Ronald McDonald House for families of veterans who are going under serious medical treatment at the V.A. Hospital in Fargo,” Fargo Republican Rep. Michelle Strinden said.
Strinden is the lead sponsor of HB 1157. She told the House the first “Fisher House” was built about 30 years ago, when John and Elizabeth Fisher were at the Walter Reed hospital. She says they noticed family members of veterans were sleeping on couches and in their vehicles – which the Fishers found unacceptable.
“Since that time, more than 80 Fisher Houses have been built in the U.S. and military posts around the world, but not in North Dakota,” Strinden said.
Strinden said the Fargo V.A. Hospital has the largest footprint of any V.A. hospital in the nation. She said it serves veterans across North Dakota, as well as 18 counties in western Minnesota, and one county in South Dakota.
“Many veterans travel up to 300 miles away for treatment in Fargo, but where do their families stay during these medical emergencies,” Strinden asked. “The cost of a hotel during a 7-10 day stay is very expensive.”
Strinden said more than $7 million in private funds have been raised for the project. She said the 2022 Special Session set aside $500,000 in America Recovery Plan Act dollars – and the state dollars will match that.
Strinden said a groundbreaking is scheduled sometime in May of 2024.
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