{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c09ec288-5652-473f-a0b3-7e2528d6d714", "Heitkamp: New VA Initiative to Improve Transportation Services for Rural Veterans", "2013-07-11", "2013", "2013-07", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Todd Deutsch , 202.224.9921 \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its new initiative to expand transportation services to veterans living in highly rural areas. Heitkamp recently held listening sessions with North Dakota veterans and VA officials to discuss the unique issues veterans face in the state. One of the major needs North Dakota veterans voiced was the lack of adequate transportation services to VA medical facilities.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s critical that we respond to the needs of our veterans,\u201d Heitkamp said. \u201cThe VA\u2019s new initiative is a smart and much-needed response to a sentiment I heard from veterans throughout the state. Lack of transportation should never prevent veterans from getting the care they deserve.\u201d\r\nTransportation services will be provided at no cost to veterans. VSOs and State Veterans Service Agencies will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to fund transportation services to and from VA centers.\r\nBelow is the full VA release:\r\nVA Grants Will Expand Transportation in Highly Rural Areas\r\nVeterans to Have Easier Access to Health Care\r\n\u00a0WASHINGTON \u2013 Veterans will have improved access to health care under a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative that supports new transportation services for those living in highly rural areas.\r\nVA began accepting applications this month for grants to help state Veterans Service Agencies and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) operate or contract for transportation services to transport Veterans to VA medical centers and other facilities that provide VA care.\u00a0 A new regulation establishes the program that will administer these grants.\u00a0 Transportation will be provided at no cost to Veterans.\r\n\u201cVA wants to be sure that all Veterans, including those who live in rural and remote areas, can receive the health care they have earned through service to our country,\u201d said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.\u00a0 \u201cState Veterans Agencies and VSOs will now be able to employ innovative approaches to transportation services for Veterans in our highly rural areas.\u00a0 The end results will include better service and better health care for Veterans.\u201d\r\nVSOs and State Veterans Service Agencies may apply for grants up to $50,000 to fund transportation of Veterans to and from VA medical centers and other facilities that provide VA care.\u00a0 If specified in the application, the services may be provided under agreements with contractors, such as private bus or van companies.\r\nA highly rural area is defined as a county or counties with a population of fewer than seven persons per square mile.\u00a0 Many highly rural areas are found in the western and southwestern United States but at least half of the states have at least one highly rural area.\r\nOne of Secretary Shinseki\u2019s top three priorities is increasing access to VA care and services for Veterans wherever they live.\u00a0 VA is expanding access in a three-pronged effort that includes facilities, programs and technology.\u00a0 Veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for 5 years after they have left the service.\r\nFor more information, please see the Federal Register.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c09ec288-5652-473f-a0b3-7e2528d6d714"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9450470097362995, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}