WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement today welcoming the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration’s announcement of a $7,282,460 federal grant for the establishment of the new Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, Louisiana.
“Southwest Louisiana will finally see the construction of a veterans cemetery thanks to this grant,” said Dr. Cassidy. “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.”
“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,” said VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves. “We will continue to work with and support states like Louisiana to provide grants which reflect the needs, resources and preferences of the local Veteran community.”
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 approximately 12.6 acres and serve approximately 37,600 Louisiana veterans and their eligible family members.
###