Griffin: New Arkansas Veterans Home Is Critical

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement in support of the Arkansas House of Representatives authorizing the state Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a new veterans home:

"I commend Arkansas House Members for overwhelmingly approving a new veterans home for Arkansas. This is about priorities, and caring for veterans is among a state's most important obligations. State veterans homes play a critical role, and I will assist any way I can to make a new veterans home a reality."

State veterans home construction is often funded through a federal/state partnerships. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers competitive grants to state governments for construction or renovation of state veterans extended care facilities. The VA's funding may not exceed 65 percent of the total project cost.

In order to receive funds, the VA requires that it receive initial application materials no later than April 15 of the year before the fiscal year in which the application would be considered for inclusion on the priority list for the award of grants. The VA also requires certification of state matching funds to be submitted no later than August 1 in order for the project to be placed in priority group 1 of the priority list for the next fiscal year.

Griffin has been active in supporting efforts to replace the Little Rock veterans home with a new facility since Governor Beebe announced its closing last summer. Griffin's August letter to Governor Beebe made it clear that he is committed to helping the state get the federal funding it needs.

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