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First Congressional District of New Mexico
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ask.heather@mail.house.gov

In Washington DC
442 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC
20515
202-225-6316 Phone
202-225-4975 Fax
In Albuquerque
20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax

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Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico


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Wilson Urges VA Secretary to Expand Santa Fe Vets Cemetery April 21, 2005
 
Wilson Highlights Effort to Ensure NM Has Nat’l Cemetery


Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson asked VA Secretary Jim Nicholson to purchase land adjacent to Santa Fe National Cemetery, and said she is committed to working with local, state and federal officials to make this happen.

Speaking Wednesday with Secretary Nicholson, Wilson highlighted an opportunity to expand the national cemetery in Santa Fe. Wilson has worked to extend the life of the cemetery and plan a follow-on when it is closed to new interments.

There are about 23.6 acres of adjacent land. Of that, 5.7 acres are owned by the city of Santa Fe and under consideration for donation to the cemetery. The rest of the adjacent land has been purchased by a private developer from the diocese that owned St. Catherine’s Indian School. Adding that land to the cemetery could extend the life an estimated 20 years or more.

Wilson said Secretary Nicholson is interested in researching and considering that option, and examining the tradeoff of higher purchase costs versus the lower maintenance costs of not opening a new cemetery in future years.

“I will pursue work with veterans groups and city, state and federal officials to make this a reality,” Wilson said. “Expanding and extending the use of the Santa Fe cemetery now appears to be an option well worth considering.”

Wilson is determined that national cemetery space for New Mexico veterans will be available as the current Santa Fe cemetery closes to new interments.

According to the VA’s Future Burial Needs Report of June 16, 2003, New Mexico will be in need of a new national cemetery by 2015. The VA now estimates that it might be open through 2018.

“I will continue to work with the VA to ensure that there is national cemetery space in New Mexico,” Wilson said. “Secretary Nicholson recognizes this need and I appreciate our good conversation today.”

Background
Planning for a new national cemetery in New Mexico continues. Rep. Wilson secured $125,000 in Fiscal Year 2002 Appropriations for a VA study of sites in North Central New Mexico. In February 2003, the VA completed the initial survey of 20 potential sites and identified three that are best suited for the needs.

Wilson has been laying the groundwork for a veterans cemetery in New Mexico since she was elected in 1998.  Veterans groups have long pushed for another national cemetery in New Mexico, and veterans leaders have worked closely with Wilson to establish it.

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