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National Cemetery Administration

 

Rhode Island Receives $1,054,325 Grant for the Expansion of Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery

August 17, 2020

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today that it has awarded the state of Rhode Island a grant in the amount of $1,054,325 for the expansion of Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.

"We are proud to partner with the state of Rhode Island to expand their Veterans cemetery and continue to provide burial options where Veterans live," said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves.

The grant will be used to develop one acre, including constructing 700 columbarium niches, landscaping, irrigation and supporting infrastructure. These improvements will enable the cemetery to provide continued service for approximately 62,151 Veterans and their eligible family members.

The VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) is designed to complement the VA's national cemeteries. Since its inception in 1978, the VCGP has awarded grants totaling more than $862 million to establish, expand, improve, or operate and maintain 117 state and tribal Veterans cemeteries. These grant-funded cemeteries provided more than 39,000 burials in 2019.

For more information about the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, contact Cemetery Administrator James A. Bessel at 401-268-3088 or visit http://www.vets.ri.gov/includes/benefits/memorial/rivmc.php.