Grand Canyon Times

Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R.837, a bill proposed by Representative Eli Crane from Arizona. This legislation aims to allow Gila County, Arizona, to establish a veterans center on 232 acres in Young, Arizona. The facility will be the first of its kind in northern Arizona, focusing on providing resources and support to rural veterans and their families.

The federal government owns significant portions of land in the Western United States, which restricts states' abilities to manage these lands effectively. The transfer of ownership to Gila County is intended to preserve the property's history while offering family housing, meeting spaces, resource rooms, Veteran Ceremonial Grounds, and outdoor recreation areas.

"This veterans center is so crucial for rural veterans in northern Arizona who selflessly served our nation. I’m grateful to see my colleagues in the House recognize the significance of this land transfer," said Rep. Crane. "This was the first piece of legislation I introduced and is a testament to the significance of northern Arizona’s veterans."

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman expressed his support: "America’s veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom, and Congress must do everything in its power to provide our servicemembers with proper care and opportunities."

Rep. Paul Gosar and former Rep. Tom O’Halleran contributed to this bipartisan effort during the 117th Congress. Senator Mark Kelly has been leading similar efforts in the Senate.

Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline testified about the center's potential benefits for veterans and their families in the region. Rep. Crane praised Cline's approach: "One of the things I love so much about this project is that you’re not coming here...and asking the federal government for any money."

Supervisor Cline highlighted the project's importance: "This site will only be one of two sites in Arizona...It means everything to these folks."