WASHINGTON– U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt welcomed an $18 million federal grant Tuesday for the North Alabama veterans cemetery project.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18,094,445 to establish Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery-North in Huntsville. In addition, the VA will reimburse up to $875,706 for the fabrication and delivery of pre-placed crypts.
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs previously announced those funding amounts in September. Aderholt highlighted the award in an Oct. 27 release.
Expanding Access for Veterans
According to Aderholt’s office, more than 42,000 North Alabama veterans live outside an existing state or national veterans cemetery’s 75-mile service area.
The new cemetery is intended to help close that gap. His office also said the facility should serve veterans and their families for more than 200 years.
“Veterans have given and sacrificed immensely to protect the fundamental liberties of our great country,” Aderholt said.
He also described the investment as an important step toward honoring veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The state currently operates the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. However, Aderholt’s office said that location is a six-hour drive from parts of North Alabama.
Part of Record National Funding
Meanwhile, the Huntsville award is part of $106.5 million in VA cemetery grants for fiscal year 2026.
The funding supports 21 cemeteries across states, territories, and tribal nations. It also represents the program’s highest annual funding total since its establishment in 1980.
According to the VA, the grants help ensure more than 94% of U.S. veterans have a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of home.
In addition to establishing new cemeteries, the program supports expansions, improvements, and operations and maintenance projects. The VA also awarded $283,200 for an expansion at the Spanish Fort cemetery.
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