The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration announced a $7,282,460 federal grant for the establishment of a new Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings.
According to U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D., (R-Baton Rouge), “Southwest Louisiana will finally see the construction of a veterans cemetery thanks to this grant.”
Cassidy added, “Right now, the only option for veterans is the cemetery in Leesville, more than 80 miles away. I’m glad Louisiana families will finally have a place closer to home where we can honor these American heroes.”
VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves said, “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 their home.”
The grant will fund the construction of a main entrance, an administration building, a maintenance facility, roads, an assembly area, a committal shelter, 1,212 pre-placed crypts, 185 cremains gravesites, 380 columbarium niches, memorial walk, landscaping and supporting infrastructure. The project will develop about 12.6 acres and serve some 37,600 Louisiana veterans and their eligible family members.