Gallego, Kelly Bill to Pave Way for Gila County Veterans Center Becomes Law

WASHINGTON — Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) celebrated the passage of their bipartisan legislation — which was signed into law by the president — to transfer the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County. The law makes way for the development of a veterans retreat and community center to support the nearly 5,500 military veterans who call the county home. “Caring for our men and women in uniform after their duty ends is a solemn national obligation, and this center makes good on that promise. This center will serve as a place to build community, connect, and will provide critical services to our vets that they have rightfully earned,” said Senator Gallego. “Our veterans had our backs. I’ll make sure we have theirs, too.” “The day is finally here. Veterans in rural Arizona deserve a place where they can gather and get the care they need closer to home,” said Senator Kelly. “Now we’re officially on track to turn this site into a retreat and community center that will serve them and their families.” “We are very grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for their belief in this project from our very first meeting. This conveyance is a huge accomplishment for all of us involved as I believe it is the first such project with state, county and federal participation for our nation’s veterans. As a county, we are moving forward to finalize the necessary steps needed to complete the conveyance and continue providing a beautiful and peaceful respite for our nation’s heroes,” said Gila County District 3 Supervisor Woody Cline. The law 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 for retreats, meetings, and community events. The center will also serve as a mobile VA clinic site, expanding access to critical health care services for veterans in rural Arizona. Read the full text of the bill HERE .