Vets camp seeks $500,000 grant

A camp for disabled military veterans on Big Marine Lake in Washington County gained division approval Jan. 31 for a $500,000 state grant to make needed upgrades.

Sponsored by Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake), HF105 returns to the House State Government Finance Committee after its approval by the House Veterans Services Division.

Started in 1926, the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp was designed to aid in the recovery of shell-shocked and battle-fatigued World War I and World War II soldiers. It currently helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder reconnect with their families in a supportive camping environment. It is not open to the general public.

The money would be used to build a storm shelter to protect campers during severe weather; to improve access for the disabled; and to upgrade the cabins built in the 1930s, according to Al Mitchell, camp president and chairman.

The camp would be required to raise a minimum of $100,000 to qualify for the matching grant. It received some state funding four years ago, but does not currently receive state money. “The main emphasis now is on safety. There’s no place for these campers to get out of the way of a storm,” Dettmer said.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) urged members to examine whether the camp would be eligible for Clean Water, Land and Legacy funding. Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) agreed, saying it would be a terrible mistake to take General Fund dollars if the project were eligible for Legacy funding.

Dettmer said the camp’s classification as a private camp likely prohibits its eligibility for Legacy money.

Sen. Ray Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake) sponsors the companion, SF128, which awaits action by the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee.