Oklahoma Veterans Commission (OVC) is now accepting proposals from interested parties in Southeastern Oklahoma as the commission begins its search for the right location for Oklahoma’s newest Veterans Center.

OVC is the governing commission of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA).

ODVA is requesting proposals to be made for site selection for relocation. All proposals must be received by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29 and should be mailed to: Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, 2132 N.E. 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111.

In April, lawmakers passed House Bill 3042, the “Oklahoma Veterans Facility Investment Act of 2018,” which directs the OVC to choose the new location as well as directing the ODVA to construct a longterm care facility for the purpose of assuming the operatings of the Veterans Center currently located in Talihina.

Due to federal requirements, the location of the new Veterans Center cannot be placed more than 90 miles or two hours from the current location (Talihina).

“We are really excited to finally be at this point,” ODVA Deputy Director Joel Kintsel said. “This is the first major step in providing a beautiful state of the art veterans center for our veterans in Southeastern Oklahoma.”

Criteria to be considered will include:

• Availability of workforce and support services;

• Characteristics, suitability and location of proposed real property and structures;

• General economic indicator of the community and surrounding area;

• Continuity of operatings during transition and transfer;

• Price.

Bonus or preference points will also be awarded for available turnkey properties, locality incentives and local activities that would potentially contribute to veterans quality of life.

More information can be found online at: https://odva.ok.gov.

Editor’s Note: This would be a much-welcomed (and much-needed) service to our area and would aid our area city and rural veterans lessen their travel (and wait) times. We’re hoping that many people from the area submit a proposal to have a local veterans center be opened nearby.