Staff for U.S. Senator Jon Hoeven and local advocates briefed the House Government and Veterans Affairs committee on plans to enhance the Fargo National Cemetery and on a request for a state line of credit to help fund construction of a new shelter and supporting improvements.

Jessica Lee, Senator Hoeven’s state director, said the project is intended to provide burial-site facilities the Veterans Administration currently cannot fund under its standard program and that the design and construction would ultimately be donated to the VA for operation and maintenance. Lee said local fundraising has raised about $1.5 million; advocates are seeking up to a $3 million line-of-credit from the state to complete the facility, and the committee asked whether the state would be expected to replace the line later.

“As a gift from essentially the state and the private sector that’s raising the money to the Veterans Administration,” Lee said when asked how the funds would be treated. She explained that the line-of-credit approach was suggested to avoid obligating state dollars until the design and VA approvals are complete.

Why it matters: The cemetery serves veterans and their families in western and northern parts of the state and advocates say improved shelter, parking and restroom facilities are needed for ceremonies in inclement weather. Committee members asked about final design, acoustics and whether the project cost could exceed the requested amount, and requested finance staff to clarify whether a line of credit would result in an immediate appropriation or contingent obligation.

Committee direction: Members asked state finance staff to appear at a future meeting to explain how a line of credit would be treated; sponsors said the project remains contingent on VA approvals and ongoing private fundraising.

Next steps: No vote recorded; committee held the item to clarify the line-of-credit mechanics and construction oversight process.