Funding bill includes millions for local military projects

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) voted yesterday to approve the House Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations (MilCon/VA) bill for Fiscal Year 2013 that is essential for the construction of military facilities and the quality of life of veterans and military families. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 407-12, included several projects important to the Central Coast.

“As we close out the Memorial Day week, it is important that we honor the sacrifices made by our active duty service members, veterans and their families,” said Congressman Sam Farr.  “This bill eases their burden through the construction of new military facilities and eliminating some of the hurdles our veterans face.  Additionally, the bill will insure the both active duty service members and veterans have access to quality health care right here on the Central Coast.”

Congressman Farr pushed for the following items in the bill:

• The construction of joint VA-DOD Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) on the Monterey peninsula as part of the Heath Care Center Facility pilot program.  The CBOC will meet the health care needs of 50,000 veterans and 31,000 active duty army personnel and their families who reside in the greater Monterey region.
• $64 million for the construction of an Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) with administrative, educational, barracks, dining, storage and vault space at Fort Hunter- Liggett.
• $4.3 million for the construction of single soldier barracks or Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) at Fort Hunter-Liggett.
• Insures the ability to receive timely access for mental health care services for veterans.
• Instructs the National Cemetery Administration to develop a strategy to provide access for rural veterans who do not currently have access to a national, state or tribal cemetery.
• $349 million Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) which will allow for the continued cleanup of Fort Ord and other bases around the country.

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