A local veteran’s organization will now be able to make necessary updates to their facility that serves countless retired service men and women throughout the region.

Earlier today, Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the 2018-19 state budget includes $100,000 in funding for the North Country Veterans Association (NCVA). The funding will allow NCVA to make critical building repairs as well as expand to include a curator’s office, a new computer server room, expanded food shelf storage and additions to the War Library project.

“NCVA provides essential services to our veterans and their families, who have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe and uphold our American values,” Jones said. “This funding ensures more veterans will have access to the resources they deserve when they return home and that NCVA continues to serve as a beacon of support for our North Country veterans.”

Ken Hynes, Secretary of the NCVA, shared details on how these funds will be utilized to improve and expand the facility.

“The North Country Veterans Association is pleased to have received funding secured by Assemblyman Jones in the New York State Budget,” said Hynes. “This funding will assist in our Phase II construction and operational costs which service hundreds of veterans in the tri-county area. We are very grateful to the Assemblyman and we fully appreciate his efforts to assist veterans in the North Country.”

The Plattsburgh-based organization provides services and information for veterans and their families free of charge. NCVA offers support for health issues like Agent Orange, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as educational entitlements, employment opportunities and support groups. They also help correct military records and file VA compensation claims, as well as provide emergency relief and support to local residents by providing food, money, clothes and fuel oil.

The funding secured in the state budget will go toward Phase II of the organization’s building project with the goal of increasing its outreach to veterans and the community. The building, which was constructed in 1989, has needed repairs as it ages and as NCVA expands services. NCVA received funding for Phase I from the Regional Economic Development Council in 2006 as well as federal funding in 2009. Jones noted that he’ll keep doing everything he can so that NVCA can continue its mission of “vets helping vets.”