OXFORD – For the last several weeks, a construction crane has been standing hundreds of feet above the steel scaffolding at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford. The state’s $66 million-plus project is still a long way from completion.

The cost of the state-funded project would in no way affect local taxpayers, said Communications Officer Claudia S. Hutton of the New York State Department of Health. More than half the cost will be paid for by a $43 million federal grant and the remaining balance will be provided by the state.

The 220,000 square foot nursing home facility for veterans and their dependents will be 50 percent larger than the current building. Hutton said the additional space will be allocated mostly to benefit resident areas.

New York State Health officials said they believed the final project would most likey require hiring more personnel, but could not confirm and concrete numbers.