**HR 10159: Land Conveyance for Veterans’ State Home at Fort Bragg – Summary**
**1. Main Purpose & Objectives**
The primary purpose of HR 10159 is to authorize the Secretary of the Army to transfer approximately 20 acres of federal land at Fort Bragg in Harnett County, North Carolina—known as Parcel 3B—to the State of North Carolina, at no cost, for the specific purpose of constructing a veterans’ State home. The bill aims to support long-term care for veterans by enabling the state to build a facility under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The overarching objective is to improve access to quality veterans’ healthcare and residential services in a region with a significant military and veteran population, leveraging underutilized federal land for a public service mission.
**2. Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**
The bill establishes a one-time land conveyance authority, allowing the Secretary of the Army to transfer title to the specified parcel without monetary compensation. Key provisions include:
- The state must cover all costs associated with the conveyance, including environmental assessments, surveys, and administrative expenses, with any overpayment refunded.
- A reversion clause ensures that if the land is not used for a veterans’ State home, the Secretary may reclaim the property, protecting federal interests.
- The Secretary may impose additional terms and conditions to safeguard U.S. government interests.
- The term “State home” is defined in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 101, ensuring alignment with federal veterans’ care standards (e.g., eligibility, licensing, and VA partnership requirements).
This bill does not amend existing law broadly but creates a specific, narrow authorization for this land transfer, consistent with similar past conveyances for veterans’ facilities.
**3. Affected Parties & Stakeholders**
- **Primary Beneficiary:** The State of North Carolina, which gains land to develop a veterans’ home, potentially improving access to long-term care for aging and disabled veterans.
- **Veterans & Families:** Especially those in central and eastern North Carolina, who may gain easier access to State home services, reducing reliance on distant VA facilities.
- **Federal Government (Department of the Army):** Transfers administrative responsibility and potential liability, while retaining oversight via reversion rights and cost recovery.
- **Local Communities (Harnett County & surrounding areas):** May experience economic benefits from construction and ongoing operations of the facility.
- **VA & State Veterans Agencies:** Will coordinate on certification, funding, and operational standards for the new State home under the Veterans’ State Nursing Home Care program.
**4. Potential Impact & Implications**
If enacted, HR 10159 could significantly enhance veterans’ infrastructure in North Carolina by facilitating the development of a new State home—a model that combines state management with federal support and VA cost-sharing. The use of underutilized military land promotes efficient asset reuse and supports intergovernmental collaboration. The reversion clause provides a safeguard against misuse, ensuring the land serves its intended purpose. Economically, the project could stimulate local job creation and increase access to care, potentially reducing strain on VA nursing homes. However, success depends on the state’s ability to secure funding, meet VA standards, and sustain operations. Overall, the bill reflects a pragmatic, veteran-focused approach to repurposing federal assets for community benefit, balancing flexibility with accountability.