Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, has secured a commitment from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to continue collaboration with regional stakeholders for the development of a Veterans Cemetery Center at Fargo National Cemetery. This initiative follows the expansion of the cemetery from 5 to 35 acres.

Hoeven emphasized the importance of maintaining support from the VA with the impending departure of Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn, who oversees VA cemeteries. "We secured a commitment from VA Secretary McDonough to ensure that as USMA Quinn leaves his post in the coming weeks that the VA will continue working with our state and local leaders, veterans groups and other stakeholders in the region to develop a new Veterans Cemetery Center at the Fargo National Cemetery," stated Hoeven. He further noted that this effort is aimed at providing facilities worthy of veterans' service and sacrifice.

Recently, Hoeven included a provision in the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill directing the VA to collaborate with state and local organizations interested in constructing and donating facilities at Rural Initiative national cemeteries like Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). This move is intended to address the needs of veterans, visitors, and volunteers.

In January, Hoeven announced the acquisition of land expanding FNC's footprint significantly. The senator played an instrumental role through his position on the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee by ensuring timely completion of necessary reviews. He also engaged extensively with local leaders, landowners, and VA officials to facilitate negotiations over this land sale.