Feds funding home for retired research chimps

SHREVEPORT, La. -- The federal government has agreed to pay $8 million to help build a rest home in Louisiana for aging chimpanzees once used for scientific and medical research.

The facility, to be built in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park, is expected to be complete by 2004. Besides former research animals, the haven will be for chimps no longer used as pets or in the entertainment business.

Congress passed legislation last year that dedicates up to $30 million for ongoing care of chimpanzees.

The facility will house 300 chimps. The total project cost is $14 million.