Senator Murray tours the flood damage in Western Washington with Secretary Peters and Governor Gregoire.
Murray is working to provide federal funding for the families, businesses and infrastructure damaged by the January 2009 storms.
The new clinic, located near Skagit Valley Hospital at 307 South 13th Street in Mount Vernon, is due to open spring/early summer of 2009.In addition to primary care services, the clinic will support mental health, social work, pharmacy, eye, ear, x-ray and dental services. VA Puget Sound hopes the permanent clinic site will eventually serve more than 6,500 veterans.
Senator Murray:
"In terms of access, this announcement is a victory for the many veterans who have sat in traffic, searched for transportation, or sacrificed their health because they have had to travel down I-5 to Seattle to get even the most basic care. Veterans from Skagit, North Snohomish, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties will all be able to access this clinic. A permanent facility in their backyard is also a great step toward recruiting more veterans who do not currently access the VA health care system.
"And in terms of quality, this announcement means that veterans will be able to get to know the doctors, nurses, and staff responsible for their care, and vice-versa. This will go a long way toward familiarizing staff with veterans' medical histories, unique needs, and personalities.
"Northwest Washington veterans have fought for our freedoms, they have fought for this facility, and now we are on the verge of finally giving them the access to quality care that they deserve. I'm so pleased that I have been able to join with them in this effort and will continue to stand with them until the day the doors to this facility open."
Senator Murray discusses her Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009 at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Senator Murray’s bill dramatically increases funding for ferry systems across that nation - particularly for states like Washington - where commuters and families rely heavily on ferries. Ferry systems across the country need federal assistance to help meet growing demand and to make investments in aging infrastructure.
Senator Murray, Congressman Larsen and Rob Iwamoto, the Forest Supervisor for Mount Baker/Snoqualmie Forest, show off the new boundary sign for the Wild Sky Wilderness Area. They are standing on the North Fork Skykomish River, with Wild Sky behind them. After nine years of hard work, Murray and Larsen joined community members in Index to celebrate the preservation of this amazing landscape.
More on Wild Sky