CURRENT FUNDING PROVIDES FOR LAND ACQUISITION - NO CHANGE IN PRESIDENT'S RECENT BUDGET PROPOSAL

 "Since 1996, I have worked to establish a veterans cemetery in the Jacksonville area," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth).  "After years of work, legislation including my proposal was enacted in 2003, and the current budget provides for land acquisition after completion of the environmental assessments (EAs), which could be completed next month.  Since the project remains funded, there was no need for additional funding in the President's recent budget proposal.  However, I will work to ensure funding is included next year for needed construction."

Florida has the second largest veterans population, which continues to grow each day.  When the Jacksonville area VA cemetery was approved in Congress, there were 325,000 veterans in the area.  Yet, the closest open cemetery is a three-hour drive away.  Added Stearns, "This new cemetery will accommodate veterans and their loved ones in north Florida and south Georgia, providing a final tribute to their service to our country."