VA funding puts Augusta on track for new state veterans cemetery; design and site‑prep funding sought

Commissioner Trish Ross told the joint committee that, after a historic increase in National Cemetery Administration funding, the VA prioritized new cemetery construction and placed Augusta at number 30 on the funding list.

Ross said that priority ranking means at least $10 million in federal dollars will be available for construction. She said the department has held about $1 million in state budget funds earmarked for the project (roughly $800,000 cited for design and an additional amount for site readiness) and that those funds may be used to meet VA matching or reporting requirements depending on the final budget outcomes.

Ross said Augusta has pursued a veterans cemetery for about 25 years; she said existing nearby national and state cemeteries leave a geographic gap south of Fort Gordon that the new site would fill. The department identified Gracewood campus as an adjacent property and noted earlier storm debris removal and site preparation needs.

The department also reported that both state veteran cemeteries in Milledgeville and Glenville completed expansion projects in October and were recognized by the National Cemetery Administration for organizational excellence.

What’s next: Ross said the department will track grant deadlines and move forward with design and site‑preparation work if the budget process provides the state match. She asked lawmakers for continued support during the appropriations process.