Central ND News

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program is set to be reauthorized for five more years under new legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer, Angus King, and Dan Sullivan. The bipartisan Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act aims to provide free transportation services for veterans living in highly rural areas to attend VA-authorized healthcare appointments.

This program is vital as approximately 2.7 million veterans reside in these areas across the United States. The proposed legislation will also allow Tribal Organizations to apply directly for the program.

Lonnie Wangen, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The number one reason our veterans have for missing a medical appointment is their lack of transportation." He noted that the grant has significantly improved access to healthcare for North Dakota's rural veterans.

The bill targets counties with fewer than seven people per square mile, including several in North Dakota such as Adams, Benson, and Billings among others. Senator Cramer emphasized the necessity of this support: “North Dakota is home to many veterans who rely on transportation assistance."

Senator King pointed out similar challenges faced by veterans in Maine: “Veterans in rural Maine communities already face challenges when it comes to accessing quality, affordable care because of distance.” He expressed gratitude towards his colleagues for ensuring support from Maine to Alaska.

Senator Sullivan addressed the situation in Alaska: “Living in a small, highly-rural community far from a major metropolitan center does not justify a veteran losing or receiving limited access." He stressed that transportation assistance is crucial for Alaska’s veterans.

Organizations like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) have shown their support for this legislation. DAV remarked on its significance: “Transportation to VA medical facilities remains a major challenge," while WWP stated that it would help remove barriers for post-9/11 wounded veterans.

For more information on the bill text, click here.