PORT ORCHARD — Four state veterans homes, including those at Retsil in Port Orchard and in Orting, are the beneficiaries of more than $13 million in funding provided through the CARES Act Extended Care Facilities Construction Grant.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs said on April 12 that sites statewide will receive upgrades to their HVAC air handling systems and UV lighting to filter air and decontaminate surfaces, furniture and equipment. With money provided through the grant, WDVA said it will attach air purification modules to each home’s HVAC system.

The various funding upgrades address deficiencies related to preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in the state veterans’ homes, according to WDVA spokesman Gary Lott.

Other statewide projects funded by the grant include upgrades to access points, outdoor space, security lighting and sanitization equipment in the veterans’ homes. Access to the veterans skilled nursing facilities have been limited because of the pandemic, and officials said the upgrades and improvements to outdoor family visit spaces will increase the number of residents who can receive family visits. Security cameras and access point improvements at the Port Orchard and Orting facilities also will be undertaken.

WDVA said it will also upgrade bathrooms and will replace tubs through full renovations of bathing suites in the state’s older homes in Port Orchard, Orting and Spokane.

Lott said the current bathroom layouts are based on traditional bathing practices that need to be updated to align with new infection control rules and processes. By replacing the current finishes, he said the new layout will provide surfaces that are easier to maintain and sanitize.

“The bathing suites are critical to the health and care of the residents and protection from the impact of germs, viruses and bacteria,” the spokesman said. “Along with replacing the finishes and the tubs with self-cleaning units, we will also install wall-mounted UV air cleaners in each of the bathing suites.”

In Port Orchard and Orting, flooring in the skilled nursing facilities will be replaced. This includes the removal of all carpeting from resident rooms and common spaces.

The agency said it plans to replace the carpet and other floorings throughout the 160,000-square-foot building at Retsil with vinyl plank, which will continue to provide a “home-like feel,” while allowing for significantly better cleaning and sanitization capabilities. The current flooring has been in place for more than 25 years and has exceeded its useful life, Lott said.

Also undergoing replacement will be the Retsil facility’s food servery. The project includes replacement with stainless steel counters, integrated sinks, stainless steel casework, epoxy flooring, upgraded plumbing and electrical service.