VA funding surge puts Augusta on track for a new state veteran cemetery, officials say

Commissioner Trish Ross told the joint hearing that the National Cemetery Administration’s historic funding increase this year moved Augusta to priority number 30 on the list for new national cemeteries, creating a viable path for a veteran cemetery that city leaders have pursued for about 25 years.

"Augusta has been trying for a veteran cemetery for the last 25 years," Ross said, and she described the population gap south of Fort Gordon that would be served by a new cemetery. Ross said the VA provided a rare funding increase this cycle that will enable the establishment of new cemeteries and that Augusta landed at priority 30, which the department expects will yield at least $10,000,000 in federal funds for construction.

Ross said the department has roughly $800,000 programmed for design and mentioned a roughly $200,000 cost to remove storm debris from the state‑owned site near the Gracewood DBHDD campus where the cemetery entrance would be located. She said both existing state veteran cemeteries (Glenville and Milledgeville) received expansion grants and were recognized this summer for organizational excellence by the National Cemetery Administration.

Ross asked lawmakers to preserve state matching funds in the capital process so the department can draw down federal construction dollars and finalize design and site work. She noted the department cannot move funds across program lines and that cemetery program appropriations must remain dedicated to cemetery work.

Lawmakers from the Augusta area were present; Ross asked the committee to coordinate with local partners to secure the match and to proceed with required design work if the budget process allows it.