Senator Hoven supports $3M funding for Fargo National Veterans Cemetery upgrade

The North Dakota State Legislature's House Appropriations Committee convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a significant focus on Senate Bill 22 65. This bill proposes a line of credit of up to $3 million for the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery, aimed at enhancing its facilities and overall service to veterans and their families.

Since its dedication in 2019, the cemetery has expanded from 5 to 35 acres and has provided burial services for over 1,000 veterans. However, the facility currently lacks essential amenities, including a gathering area for families, indoor restrooms, adequate parking, a gallery to honor veterans, a garage for hearses, and an office for staff. The existing facilities consist only of a vault toilet and a porta potty, which are inadequate, especially during harsh weather conditions.

The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard has presented a comprehensive plan to improve the cemetery, estimating the total cost at $5 million. They have already raised $1.4 million and are now seeking the proposed line of credit to cover the remaining costs. The funds would be accessible from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a deficiency appropriation expected to follow if the funds are utilized. Importantly, the project requires approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) before state funds can be allocated.

Senator John Hoven has expressed strong support for the bill, collaborating with local leaders from Fargo, West Fargo, and Harwood, as well as Cass County legislators, to ensure the project moves forward. The goal is to elevate the Fargo National Cemetery to the same standards as the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, which is seen as a benchmark for excellence.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions regarding the VA's role in the approval process, confirming that it refers to the Federal Veterans Administration. The discussions underscored the commitment to providing veterans with the honor and dignity they deserve in their final resting place.

The committee's support for SB 22 65 is crucial as it seeks to address the pressing needs of the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that it can serve veterans and their families with the respect they have earned.