Strong Secures Federal Support to Advance New State Veterans Cemetery in North Alabama
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – U.S. Representative Dale Strong (AL-05) announced a major milestone for North Alabama’s veteran community following the authorization of a $13.5 million federal grant for a new Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) veterans’ cemetery in Madison County.
“When the nation called, our veterans answered, and this new state VA cemetery in North Alabama will make good on our promise to honor their service forever,” said Representative Dale Strong. “For too long, families in North Alabama have had to travel long distances to lay their loved ones to rest. This investment delivers meaningful access, dignity, and peace of mind for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Congressman Strong worked closely with the ADVA and Governor Ivey to support the state’s application for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA), emphasizing the urgent need for additional burial capacity in a region with one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the state.
“This will be a lasting place of respect and remembrance close to home,” Strong continued. “I was proud to advocate for this investment to ensure North Alabama’s veterans and their families have access to a dignified final resting place that reflects the deep gratitude our community holds for their service and sacrifice. This is about keeping our promise – not just in words, but in action.”
North Alabama is home to more than 42,700 veterans who currently live outside the 75-mile service radius of an existing state or national VA cemetery. The new facility will help close that gap and is expected to support more than 10,000 interments over the next decade and serve the region for roughly two centuries.
North Alabama Veteran Roger Watkins, a retired Navy captain and long-time advocate for a new VA cemetery, welcomed the news.
“On behalf of all my fellow Northern Alabama shipmates and veterans, this is the culmination of efforts we questioned would ever be enough to make this happen, despite the demographic justification,” said Roger Watkins. “I can’t adequately express my joy and thanks to Congressman Strong and his staff for their effort to make this happen. For the tens of thousands of Northern Alabama veterans, thank you!”
AVDA Commissioner Jeffrey Newton noted the grant reflects ADVA’s strong partnership with its federal counterparts and years of coordination with state and federal leaders to address the needs of Alabama’s growing veteran population.
“For years, we have recognized the need for a second state veterans cemetery to properly honor the men and women who answered our nation’s call. This investment brings us one step closer to fulfilling that commitment. We are deeply grateful for the federal support, led by Congressman Strong, and for the continued dedication of our state and local partners who helped make this milestone possible,” said Commissioner Newton, in part.
Construction is expected to begin no later than late summer 2026. The cemetery will be located east of Huntsville on Maysville Road NE. The facility will include ground crypts, traditional graves, columbarium niches, and a scatter garden, along with a committal shelter and administrative building, and will be designed to serve Alabama’s veterans for generations with planned expansions over time.
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