Administrators from the state’s seven veterans centers spoke to lawmakers Tuesday about the facilities’ needs and for replacement of antiquated infrastructure.
Comments were made during an interim study evaluating Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs facilities at the State Capitol before the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Public Health. Interim Study H14-036 was requested by House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chair Gary Banz, R-Midwest City.
Veteran Center administrators discussed infrastructure needs ranging from structural basics such as much needed roof repairs, window replacements and upgrading emergency generators to future considerations such as modernizing existing dining, activities and laundry facilities.
Other long-term plans included increasing the number of private or semi-private beds offered to veterans.
Most of the projects listed would be funded through a federal grant application that would require a state match.
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