KOLKHORST ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION FOR HEARTS VETERANS MUSEUM

June 27, 2007 – Walker County

Walker County State Representative Lois W. Kolkhorst today announced that the HEARTS Veterans Museum will receive a $2 million state grant for the construction of the new museum to be collocated with a planned Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) evacuation center in Walker County.

"Today the State of Texas says thanks you for the good work that the HEARTS museum has done and will do in the future. The museum strives to honor and recognize the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces, and serves as a place of learning for our young people," Kolkhorst said. "A veterans museum for Texas now has a fitting and permanent home now in Huntsville."

Kolkhorst introduced the HEARTS museum budget rider to HB 1, the General Appropriation Act, during the House Appropriations Committee hearings and was able to reinforce the measure during the conference committee, as a conferee on the budget, with the help of local State Senator Steve Ogden. The state money is contingent upon Walker County first receiving a FEMA grant for the evacuation center, which has been approved and is currently being organized by Walker County officials.

Kolkhorst originally secured the land and location for the museum by authoring and passing HB 2343 in 2003. The bill, sponsored by Ogden in the Senate, granted five acres of land from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Walker County for the purpose of a veterans museum. Local veterans, including John Fuchs, traveled to Austin in March, 2003, to testify before the House State Affairs committee in favor of HB 2343.

"Finding a permanent home for the HEARTS Museum has been a focus and passion for me since becoming the state representative for Walker County in 2003," said Kolkhorst. "Many have donated time and money to the museum. This money will help it become a reality."

"The veterans deserve this."

Kolkhorsta joined by local veterans today at the current location of the HEARTS Veterans Museum within the West Hill Mall when she made the announcement.

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