This program's purpose is to provide grants to eligible recipients to assist veterans in highly rural areas through innovative transportation services to travel to VA medical centers, and to other…

The New Mexico State Land Office (operating as Commissioner of Public Land) received a $600,000 Project Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Under Secretary for Health on September 15, 2025, under the Veterans Transportation Program (CFDA 64.035). The award, with a one-year performance period through September 14, 2026, funds comprehensive transportation services designed to eliminate barriers preventing veterans in highly rural areas of New Mexico from accessing VA Medical Centers and other VA-approved healthcare facilities.

Services provided through this grant include direct vehicle transportation, mileage reimbursement programs, mobility management coordination, and public transit partnerships tailored to address the geographic and logistical challenges faced by veterans in counties with fewer than seven persons per square mile. This represents the fifth consecutive annual award to the New Mexico State Land Office under the Veterans Transportation Program, reflecting demonstrated program effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The funding levels have increased progressively from $250,000 in fiscal year 2023 to the current $600,000 award, indicating sustained organizational capacity and successful outcomes in improving healthcare access for rural veterans.

This program's purpose is to provide grants to eligible recipients to assist veterans in highly rural areas through innovative transportation services to travel to VA medical centers, and to other VA and non-VA facilities to assist in providing transportation services in connection with the provision of VA medical care.