The first bill, introduced by Arizona’s newest congressman, Eli Crane, provides opportunities to provide resources and support primarily to rural veterans and their families through the creation of large-scale veterans’ centers. It was given to the county.
The proposed space will be built on 232 acres in Young, Arizona, about 120 miles northeast of Phoenix.
The new center could include family residences, meeting and activity spaces, archives, ceremonial halls, and areas for outdoor recreation.
“Veterans in northern Arizona need space to heal and reunite with their families after risking their lives for the peace and freedom of all Americans,” Crane said in a statement announcing the bill. “As a former Navy SEAL and member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I know I cannot underestimate the importance of providing this resource.”
The bipartisan bill was introduced to the Senate by Senators Mark Kelly and Kirsten Cinema. The measure would require the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer control of the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Land to Gila County. The site was previously decommissioned after the U.S. Forest Service moved operations to Payson.
Kelly was the original sponsor when the bill was first introduced in 2021. According to Kelly’s office, Gila County is home to nearly 5,500 veterans, making it an ideal location for the new center. I don’t live near any state veterans medical center.
Contact reporter Lacey Latch in Northern Arizona. LLatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatch.
Covers Northern Arizona azcentral.com In the Republic of Arizona, it is funded by the nonprofit Report for America and a grant from the Vitalyst Health Foundation Associated with the Republic of Arizona.
