Congress Clears Fort Bragg Land Transfer For New Veterans Home

RALEIGH — Plans for a new state veterans home near Fort Bragg moved another step forward Tuesday after Congress approved the transfer of approximately 20 acres of federal land to North Carolina for the project.

The U.S. Senate approved H.R. 10159 on Tuesday, Sept. 29, following House passage earlier this month. The legislation authorizes the U.S. Army to transfer the property to the state for construction of a new veterans home.

The approximately 20-acre tract is part of the Fort Bragg Training Area in Harnett County.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and received bipartisan support from North Carolina’s congressional delegation.

The new facility is intended to replace the former Fayetteville State Veterans Home, which closed after structural problems were discovered. Eighty-five veterans were relocated from the facility.

North Carolina lawmakers have authorized $40 million toward construction of the replacement home. Gov. Josh Stein signed the state budget containing the funding in July.

Gov. Stein praised congressional approval of the land transfer Wednesday.

“North Carolina boasts the fourth-largest military presence in the nation and is the proud home to more than 600,000 military veterans,” Stein said. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend our country and our freedoms, and our commitment to them must not end when their service does.”

Stein said the new facility would provide veterans with housing and access to needed care.

“I thank our Congressional delegation for their leadership in securing this land transfer,” Stein said.

Under the federal legislation, North Carolina would be responsible for costs associated with transferring the property. The land could revert to the federal government if it is no longer used for activities related to a state veterans home.

With approval by both chambers of Congress, the measure now heads to President Donald Trump.