VA rural veteran transport grants expanded to reach more communities

What does this do?

HR 1733 expands an existing VA grant program that funds transportation services for veterans in rural areas. The bill broadens eligibility from only "highly rural" areas to include all "rural" areas, and raises individual grant amounts to up to $60,000, or up to $80,000 when an ADA-compliant vehicle must be purchased. It also removes the current $3 million annual spending cap and replaces it with open-ended annual appropriations.

Who does it affect?

Veterans living in rural areas, including those on tribal lands, who have difficulty reaching VA medical facilities would be directly affected. County veterans service organizations and tribal organizations would become newly eligible to apply for grants, joining state veterans service agencies and veterans service organizations already allowed under current law.

Why does it matter?

Removing the spending cap and broadening area eligibility could result in more federal dollars flowing to rural transportation programs than currently permitted. Adding county and tribal organizations as eligible applicants increases the number of entities that can seek funding to run those programs.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $3M annual cap removed
• Grants up to $60,000 each
• Up to $80,000 for ADA vehicles

Where does it stand?