WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego reintroduced legislation to transfer federal land to Gila County, paving the way for the development of a veterans retreat and community center to serve the nearly 5,500 veterans living in Gila County.
The bill directs the U.S. Forest Service to transfer 232.9 acres of underutilized National Forest land near Young, Arizona to Gila County. Once transferred, the site will be transformed into a dedicated space for veterans and their families to gather, participate in community events, and access mobile VA clinics, expanding access to critical health care services for rural veterans.
“Having a place to gather with fellow veterans, connect with nature, and access services is vital to veterans’ wellbeing,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Kelly that will repurpose this land for the benefit of Gila County veterans.”
“For too long, this land has been sitting idle when it could be put to use supporting the veterans who made immense sacrifices for our country,” said Senator Kelly. “By transferring this land to Gila County, we’re ensuring veterans, and their families have a space to gather, connect, and access health care closer to home.”
“I really appreciate Senator Kelly’s ongoing support of this important project for our Arizona veterans. The Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat provides a beautiful and peaceful facility in rural Arizona not only for Gila County veterans, but for veterans across the state and other states as well. While providing for our veterans it also repurposes a former United States Forest Service administrative site,” said Gila County District 3 Supervisor Woody Cline.
Read the full bill HERE.