WASHINGTON, FEB. 22, 2005 -- "As the author of the bill to locate a national VA cemetery in north central Florida, which became part of the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, I am pleased that the VA has progressed to the next phase," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-6th). "The VA is in negotiations to enter a task agreement with a consulting firm to perform the environmental assessments, as required by the Environmental Protection Act, on two sites in the City of Jacksonville, north of Jacksonville Airport."
Since 1996, Stearns has offered legislation to establish a VA cemetery in Jacksonville. H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, included language from Stearns legislation directing the VA to establish a national cemetery in the Jacksonville metropolitan area within four years of enactment. Added Stearns, "The new cemetery will accommodate veterans and their loved ones in north Florida and south Georgia, providing the final, resting tribute to their service to our country. The President's budget this year represents the largest expansion of the national cemetery system since the Civil War (including about $41 million to acquire land for this and five other new national cemeteries), and I am proud to support the ongoing progress."
"As for the long-range progress, the VA anticipates making a construction award between July 1 and September 30, 2008, actually start clearing and developing the land October 1, 2008, and, hopefully, open on a fast-track basis about three to four months later," remarked Stearns.
For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.
