VA announces grant for Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort

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Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort
Artist rendering of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort [Photo Credit: City of Spanish Fort]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Association (NCA) on Wednesday announced it has awarded the state of Alabama a grant in the amount of $274,393 for the expansion and improvement of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort.

“Our state and tribal partners are critical in helping NCA achieve our strategic goal of providing 95 percent of the Veteran population with convenient access to a burial option within 75 miles of the home,” said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves. “We look forward to continuing to work with states like Alabama and provide grants that reflect the needs, resources and preferences of the local Veteran community.”

The grant will fund the construction of 430 in-ground cremains gravesite, a memorial wall containing 100 plaques, widened cortege lane, landscape, irrigation and supporting infrastructure. The project will develop approximately 0.5 acres and provide continued service for approximately 56,000 Veterans, spouses and eligible family members.

“Great news! The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a $274,000 grant for the expansion and improvements to the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort,” Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne posted on Facebook of the news. “This is excellent news for our local veterans and the entire community.”

The closest national or state Veterans cemetery to Spanish Fort is Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla. approximately 57 miles away.