Norwich — The state is giving Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut a $2.5 million grant for the construction of a comprehensive veterans service center within its existing Norwich facility.

The project was initially estimated to cost $1.8 million, but the cost was updated to $2.5 million. Easterseals has received a $1 million commitment from Stanley Black & Decker, and other private donations that it will use for operational costs associated with the project.

Plans envision an 18,000-square-foot space, known as Veterans Rally Point, where veterans can relax and interact with one another in a safe space but also have access to services such as mental health and job counseling. The center would serve veterans and their families living in eastern Connecticut. Many of the state's 200,000-plus veterans live in the region.