Augusta asked to fund all costs for a state veteran’s cemetery

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Supporters still envision a state veteran’s cemetery on property near Gracewood in south Augusta, but it’s now up to Augusta city leaders.

“You have to decide as a matter of public policy. Do you want a veteran’s cemetery in Augusta and the state is willing to support that? If the commission makes a positive decision,” said Veteran’s Cemetery Committee Co-Chair Bob Young.

The co-chairs of the veteran’s cemetery went before commissioners, saying they were unable to secure any funding for the facility from the federal or state governments.

They suggested commissioners could include the costs in the next phase of the sales tax.

“We believe 13 million is going to be a good number. We started at ten million five years ago – the number has naturally gone up,” said Young.

Some commissioners voiced support despite hearing all construction costs would fall on the city.

“It’s something not only I can support but I believe the community can support. I’m hoping our commissioners can support as well,” said Commissioner Alvin Mason.

“And yeah, we do need something because we have Fort Eisenhower here my father was retired military,” said Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle.

“For veterans, absolutely I’ll support it. I feel like we can make this happen we’ll be able to find the money,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.

But some say it would be better if Augusta did not bear the costs alone.

“I would like to see if we could do get some money from surrounding areas like Columbia County and put some in like we did the Junior Achievement Center.”

Commissioners did not commit to fully funding the cemetery but said the request will be added to the SPLOST 9 project with list for consideration.

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