March 8, 2024 4:10 a.m.
State Senator David Brock Smith and his team have secured funding for Oregon’s third veterans’ home which will be built in Roseburg.
Senate Bill 5701 included in Section 500, the State of Oregon’s match of $35 million dollars to move the project forward. Next is seeking a federal grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of establishing the home. The project has been underway since legislation which passed in the 2011 session of the Oregon State Legislature. It was Chief Sponsored by then State Representative Tim Freeman, House Co-Speakers Bruce Hanna and Arnie Roblan, Senators Kruse and Prozanski and the late Senator Joanne Verger.
Senator Brock Smith said, “I am incredibly grateful for all the efforts and advocacy by so many of our veteran’s and residents to bring this funding proposal to support our Oregon Veterans who have given so much to our country for our freedoms”.
State Representative Virgle Osborne said, “I am proud to be part of the team the helped facilitate this investment in our veteran’s community”.
In January, Brock Smith wrote a letter to Governor Kotek asking for her support to fund the needed state match of $35 million dollars to begin the process to build the third Oregon Veterans’ Home in Roseburg. In February, Kotek wrote a letter to legislators saying in part, “you have my administration’s attention and support to move the construction of Oregon’s third Veteran’s Home forward”.
Former State Representative and current Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “This has been a long-time, very much needed, sought after facility. This project will help continue the history of serving and honoring veterans in Douglas County”.
Lawmaker’s state representatives Christine Goodwin and Court Boice echoed their joy in seeing the state funding come through.
Senator Brock Smith has also secured a letter of support from Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Val Hoyle for the project.
Senator Brock Smith will go in-depth on the status of the veterans’ home on Monday’s Inside Douglas County at 12:30 p.m. on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN.