Griffin: Progress on New State Veterans Home in Arkansas

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement after Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Director Cissy Rucker announced the selection of a location near Fort Roots in North Little Rock as the site of a new State Veterans Home:

"I'm pleased at the progress made in the process of building a new State Veterans Home in Arkansas, a project I have supported from the very beginning. I will continue to do everything I can to facilitate the completion of this critical facility, which will help Arkansas honor its obligation to care for our veterans and provide the important services they have earned."

On August 14, 2012, Rep. Griffin sent a letter [PDF] to Governor Mike Beebe offering assistance in obtaining federal support for a new state veterans home.

In February 2013, the Arkansas legislature overwhelmingly approved a new veterans home for the state.

On August 14, 2013, Rep. Griffin sent a letter [PDF] to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki urging the VA "to expedite the approval of matching funds for the construction of a new veterans home in Arkansas."

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.

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