BIRMINGHAM- Congressman Spencer Bachus is pleased to announce that the proposed site for a new National Veteran’s Cemetery is one step closer to becoming a reality at the American Village. The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected the site for an environmental assessment, which is the next significant step in the approval process.
An environmental assessment of any proposed site is required to ensure that the land meets the soil type and topographical criteria necessary to support a large scale National Cemetery such as the one proposed at the American Village.
“Our Veterans groups, and the entire Alabama Delegation have worked hard to make this a reality,” said Congressman Bachus. “Frank Wilkes with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and Tom Walker with the American Village are due special thanks for their vision to bring this cemetery to the American Village.”
Bachus continued, “Community leaders including those from the American Village, the City and University of Montevallo, and the Shelby County Commission have all pledged their full cooperation and support.”
In 2003 the Department of Veteran’s Affairs was directed by Congress to establish a new cemetery in Central Alabama, which currently has a population of over 212,000 veterans who do not have access to a burial option in a National Cemetery.
“It is only fitting those in Alabama who have served our country with honor are afforded a final resting place near their loved ones,” Bachus said.
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