CASPER — Buffalo has once again been selected as the best site for a new nursing home for veterans, according to Casper City Manager Carter Napier. 

The Wyoming Legislature is trying to find the best location in the state to build a nursing home for veterans that will be partially funded by the federal department of Veteran Affairs.

In recent weeks, lawmakers have gone back and forth between Casper and Buffalo as the choice. Last week, a Senate committee chose Casper after hearing testimonies from Buffalo and Casper representatives. 

But during the bill’s first reading Tuesday on the Senate floor, Napier said the senators amended it back to Buffalo. 

“There was quite a bit of debate,” said Napier, adding that it appeared most senators felt that Buffalo needs the facility more than Casper. 

Napier said he expects the third and final reading will take place by Friday. 

Casper and Natrona County representatives have said in recent months that Casper is the best site for aging veterans because the city has a wide range of medical care specialties and providers, as well as an airport that is open every day of the year. 

Buffalo representatives have argued that their city is the better location because it already hosts the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, an assisted living facility for veterans. 

But everyone in Buffalo isn’t on board with the project. 

Last month, seven physicians with the Johnson County Healthcare Center in Buffalo signed a letter written by Dr. Alyse Williams that was sent to state lawmakers. 

A copy of the letter states that Buffalo is not the best site for a new nursing home due to a shortage of healthcare providers. 

“I chose to be a physician not only because I wanted to help people but (because) I want to do what is right for the current healthcare system,” Williams wrote. “Placing a skilled nursing facility in a community with already limited resources does not accomplish that goal.”