Federal Grant Brings Veterans Cemetery to North Alabama
Congressman Dale Strong helps secure $13.5M federal grant for new Veterans cemetery near Huntsville, ending long travel for local Veterans and families
A long-sought State Veterans cemetery for North Alabama took a major step forward this week with the approval of a $13.5 million federal grant to build a new Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Madison County. Construction is expected to begin no later than late summer 2026.
U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL5) announced the funding, secured through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration to establish a new State Veterans cemetery east of Huntsville on Maysville Road NE. The project will give local families easier access to burial services closer to home.
“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,” Strong said in announcing the funding. “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.”
Strong worked with State leaders, including the ADVA and Governor Kay Ivey, to support the State’s application for federal funding. The region is home to one of the largest Veteran populations in Alabama, with tens of thousands of Veterans currently living outside a 75-mile service radius of existing State or national VA cemeteries.
“This will be a lasting place of respect and remembrance close to home,” Strong said. “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.”
Retired Navy Captain Roger Watkins, a longtime advocate for the cemetery, said the announcement marked the end of a long wait for local Veterans. “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,” Watkins said. “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!” [Original quote]
ADVA Commissioner Jeffrey Newton noted the grant reflects years of planning and partnership with federal officials. “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,” Newton said in part. “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.”
The new cemetery will span roughly 150 acres and feature ground crypts, traditional graves, columbarium niches, a scatter garden, and support buildings designed to serve Veterans for generations. Early development is expected to provide thousands of burial plots, and the site could ultimately support burial needs for about 200 years.
