WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced that $18.5 million in funds for the construction of a National Veterans Cemetery in Montevallo is contained in the new federal budget.
The funds are included in the FY08 budget approved by the House today.
Bachus requested President Bush to provide funding for the cemetery in his budget proposal, won House funding, and worked to protect the funds during the congressional budget process.
"This keeps a promise we made to veterans in Alabama and their loved ones, that there will be a fitting final resting place for those who have served our state with such honor. As construction begins, I think everyone will see how beautiful a site this is. It will truly show the appreciation we have for the veterans who have defended our freedom," Bachus said.
Bachus announced a major milestone in July when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) completed land acquisition for the cemetery site next to the American Village. The cemetery remains on schedule to open for its first burials in the fall of 2008.
In 2003, Congress directed the VA to establish a new cemetery in the Birmingham area, which has a population of more than 210,000 veterans who do not have convenient access to a burial option in a national cemetery.
The budget measure has been approved by both the House and Senate and awaits the signature of the President.