(The Center Square) – There’s a new Veterans Affairs center in Gila County, as well as a bill that would see the site’s development to meet the needs of the approximately 5,500 veterans who live in the Arizona county.
The federal bill would see the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site transferred to Gila County. The site is 232.9 acres of National Forest land near the town of Young. Under the legislation, the land would become a veterans retreat, for those in Gila County and across the U.S.
“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 U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, who introduced the S.700 bill. “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.”
The site would become a dedicated space for retreats, meetings and community events. The center would also serve as a mobile Veteran Affairs clinic site, expanding access to health care services for veterans in rural Arizona.
“Having a place to gather with fellow veterans, connect with nature, and access services is vital to veterans’ wellbeing,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, co-sponsor of the bill. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Sen. Kelly that will repurpose this land for the benefit of Gila County veterans.”
The retreat is already in operation with two residences, two barracks and administrative offices, said a spokesperson for the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat. With this bill, retreat supporters plan to create a large building as a gathering space, and between two and four homes.
“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,” said Gila County District 3 Supervisor Woody Cline. “While providing for our veterans, it also repurposes a former United States Forest Service administrative site.”
