A long-awaited veterans cemetery in North Alabama is another step closer to becoming a reality after receiving an additional $5.4 million in federal funding.
The additional funding brings federal grants for the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery – North Alabama to $18.9 million as the project moves toward an expected groundbreaking next month.
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs announced Friday that the funding was awarded through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program of the National Cemetery Administration within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The updated funding includes $18,094,445 for establishing the cemetery and a separate $875,706 for an additional pre-placed vault section.
“This additional $5.4 million in federal funding is a tremendous investment in the continued development of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery – North Alabama. We are incredibly grateful to the National Cemetery Administration for this significant support and to Governor Kay Ivey for her continued commitment to this project,” ADVA Commissioner Jeff Newton said.
“We’ve heard this could be the largest grant ever awarded for a state veterans cemetery, which would make an already historic project even more significant. We are excited to break ground next month and continue building a lasting tribute to the veterans of North Alabama.”
The cemetery will be built on 150 acres near Maysville outside Huntsville and is expected to eventually provide approximately 150,000 burial sites over a projected 200-year lifespan.
The latest award follows $13.5 million in federal funding announced earlier this year. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) worked with ADVA and Gov. Kay Ivey to support the state’s application for that funding.
Strong told 256 Today in January that the project would help fulfill a promise to North Alabama veterans and their families.
“When the nation called, our veterans answered, and this new state VA cemetery in North Alabama will make good on our promise to honor their service forever,” Strong said. “For too long, families in North Alabama have had to travel long distances to lay their loved ones to rest. This investment delivers meaningful access, dignity, and peace of mind for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Consolidated Construction Company of Alabama in Huntsville was the lowest bidder for the project. According to ADVA, construction is expected to take approximately 16 to 18 months following groundbreaking.
The additional federal funding announced Friday also includes $283,200 for expansion of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort.
The more than 120-acre Baldwin County cemetery currently has approximately 9,000 graves and is projected to serve more than 190,000 veterans, spouses and eligible dependents during its 200-year lifespan.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
