It is the intention of the general assembly that, in establishing state veterans' homes, the state shall apply for a grant from the United States veterans' administration and/or obtain its approval for leasing existing facilities pursuant to Public Law 95-62 (38 U.S.C. §§ 5031-5037). The department of veterans services is hereby authorized to submit such an application or applications on behalf of the board and take other preparatory actions to identify existing facilities for lease or purchase and process the necessary requests for proposals to a point so that contract negotiations could begin with the board when it is established.