News Releases for August 2005
August 1, 2005
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Hoeven Announces $3.1 Million Grant To Enhance North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the state has received a $3.1 million grant to expand the facilities and enhance the grounds of the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Construction is expected to start in mid-August.
The additional funding will cover 100 percent of the permissible costs of an expansion of the Visitor Center, Chapel and Maintenance Building. It will also fund site improvements to the grounds, including addition of roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and sprinkler system.
"This expansion reaffirms our state's commitment to honoring and remembering those who, in war and in peace, in the active duty military, reserves, and National Guard, dedicated themselves to defending the cherished values of our nation," Hoeven said. "Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice, all of them devoted themselves to preserving our nation's freedom. Here they may rest in honor and dignity for generations to come."
"Through this partnership with North Dakota, VA is able to honor our commitment to the men and women who have served in uniform," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This partnership provides a final resting place for North Dakota's veterans that meets the high standards of a national shrine."
The Governor thanked Sec. Nicholson, the North Dakota National Guard, North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Foundation, the state's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael Haugen and MSG. Phil Miller for their hard work over the past three years to secure the grant from the U.S. Veterans Administration. Haugen and the Foundation oversee the management and perpetual care of the cemetery; Miller is the cemetery manager. Hoeven also thanked Sen. Byron Dorgan for inserting enabling language for the grant in the FY2002 VA-HUD Appropriation bill, which made 30 states eligible for the funding.
The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery is in its 13th year of operation, and as of June 30, 2005, there were 2,641 interments.
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