Wounded vets would have free park access under bill

By Staff
Thursday, March 17, 2011

DENVER — Wounded veterans would get free access to all state parks under a bill that won preliminary approval in the Colorado House on Thursday.

The free parks passes would be available to all veterans wounded in action, but its primary focus is on those who were injured in military actions since Sept. 11, 2001.

“It’s for our veterans,” said Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Colorado Springs. “This provides some outdoor recreational activity for our veterans, as well as year-around activities available to our wounded warriors.”

The parks already offers free access to veterans and caretakers, but only those who have the Disabled Veterans license plate on their vehicles. The bill requires a final House vote, which could come as early as today, before it heads to the Senate.