Veterans push for more federal, state funding for Augusta cemetery

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Greater than 50,000 veterans name Augusta dwelling, however the nearest veteran cemetery is in Milledgeville.

An thought 20 years within the making to deliver a veteran cemetery to Augusta might lastly see progress. We talked to the co-chairs behind the venture about what’s subsequent and what’s been the hold-up.

“Our women and men of the higher Augusta area want, need, and need a cemetery to be situated right here,” stated Don Clark, Veterans Cemetery Initiative, co-chair.

Bob Younger is the previous mayor of Augusta. He stated, “It’s fairly clear to see it’s fairly an arduous journey for a household or family members to go go to their family members.”

Georgia permitted the land for the venture behind East Central Regional Hospital in Gracewood, and the state and metropolis put aside $3 million for the venture. Now they want almost $10 million in federal funds to make it occur.

Clark stated: “We’re on the remaining phases of constructing this a actuality for the realm.”

Younger stated: “The Veterans Cemetery Grant program is absolutely oversubscribed. There are simply extra expansions and cemetery requests because the veterans’ inhabitants ages and extra veterans want a spot for his or her remaining relaxation.”

These expansions have taken prevalence over the development of a brand new veteran cemetery. They’ve mentioned different methods to get the federal and the state to provide you with the funds outdoors of that grant.

Veterans say the time is operating out.

Clarke stated: “Bob and I’ve talked to limitless quantities of households who expressed their discontent with having to bury their family members all the best way in Columbia, S.C.”

Younger says he and Clark will know extra about the way forward for the venture within the subsequent six to eight months.

Clark stated: “I’ve veterans who name me frequently and say ‘when is that this gonna occur?’ ‘How for much longer do I’ve to reside to be buried there?’”

They are saying they’ll know extra concerning the venture within the subsequent six to eight months. The primary purpose is securing funds to be able to proceed with the demolition of previous buildings on the proposed website and the development of an entry highway from Tobacco Highway in Gracewood.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.