Augusta veterans cemetery lands major share of record VA funding

ShareAdd Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on GoogleAUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The planned veterans cemetery in Augusta is getting a major boost from Washington.The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it awarded a record $106.5 million in grants for 21 cemeteries across the U.S. in Fiscal Year 2026. The money includes $13.6 million to help establish the Georgia Memorial Veterans Cemetery at Augusta. Arena-auditorium complex set to keep James Brown nameThe Augusta Entertainment Complex will become the James Brown Entertainment Complex under a unanimous vote by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. The VA will also cover up to about $2.1 million for the fabrication and delivery of pre-placed crypts, a key piece of the cemetery’s burial infrastructure.The Augusta cemetery is planned on more than 200 acres behind East Central Regional Hospital on Tobacco Road. It’s expected to become the largest veterans cemetery in Georgia once complete.Local leaders say the project has been roughly 25 years in the making. Former Mayor Bob Young first pushed for the cemetery in 2001, and District 5 Augusta Commission member Don Clark has helped lead the renewed effort, including a packed community meeting this year that drew veterans, families and supporters.Volunteers needed as Salvation Army launches campaign Red Kettle CampaignThe Salvation Army of Augusta is asking for volunteers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Groundbreaking for the Augusta cemetery is scheduled for November. Officials expect construction to take roughly 18 months.Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The planned veterans cemetery in Augusta is getting a major boost from Washington.The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it awarded a record $106.5 million in grants for 21 cemeteries across the U.S. in Fiscal Year 2026. The money includes $13.6 million to help establish the Georgia Memorial Veterans Cemetery at Augusta. Arena-auditorium complex set to keep James Brown nameThe Augusta Entertainment Complex will become the James Brown Entertainment Complex under a unanimous vote by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. The VA will also cover up to about $2.1 million for the fabrication and delivery of pre-placed crypts, a key piece of the cemetery’s burial infrastructure.The Augusta cemetery is planned on more than 200 acres behind East Central Regional Hospital on Tobacco Road. It’s expected to become the largest veterans cemetery in Georgia once complete.Local leaders say the project has been roughly 25 years in the making. Former Mayor Bob Young first pushed for the cemetery in 2001, and District 5 Augusta Commission member Don Clark has helped lead the renewed effort, including a packed community meeting this year that drew veterans, families and supporters.Volunteers needed as Salvation Army launches campaign Red Kettle CampaignThe Salvation Army of Augusta is asking for volunteers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Groundbreaking for the Augusta cemetery is scheduled for November. Officials expect construction to take roughly 18 months.