The Mahoning County Veteran’s Service Commission says $650,000 from the newly enacted state budget will improve the lives of those who have served our country.

County commissioners say the funding is dedicated to creating a new $7 million state-of-the-art Veterans Center in Youngstown.

The 23,000-square-foot building, next to the Carl Nunziato Veterans Administration Building on Belmont Avenue, will be completed in phases.

Phase 1 includes a secure client intake center, conference rooms, office space for one-on-one support services, an event hall, and a garage for medical shuttles.

“Co-locating Veterans services and paving the way for future Veterans housing will have exponential positive effects in the veteran community as well as revitalizing a key corridor in the City of Youngstown,” said Brian Kennedy, President of the Veterans Service Commission.

Commissioners say they have been working with the Veterans Service Commission and the Western Reserve Port Authority for over a year trying to secure the right location and develop the best plan to serve the Veterans.

 Construction is expected to begin in a few months and the Veterans will be able to move into their new headquarters in the next calendar year.