Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven participated in the signing ceremony of Senate Bill 2265 in Bismarck, North Dakota. The bill allocates $3 million in state funding for a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery. Sponsored by several state legislators, the funds are set to be released after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approves the project plan and authorizes construction. This step is part of a broader initiative that aims to create a top-tier federal veterans cemetery akin to the state-run North Dakota Veterans Cemetery (NDVC) in Mandan.

Hoeven aims to replicate a federal-state-local partnership model proven effective in other projects, noting it helped secure $9 million in federal funding for the NDVC. The newly signed bill follows Hoeven's efforts in various committees to expand and enhance the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). The Senator emphasizes the collaborative strategy for developing the Veterans Memorial Center, incorporating local insights to meet veterans', families', and volunteers' needs.

"With this $3 million, the state is now joining in our effort to form an innovative partnership with the federal government and the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard," Hoeven stated. He praised the legislators and the governor for supporting the bill, emphasizing the facility's importance in honoring veterans' service.

Senator Scott Meyer, a key sponsor of the bill, remarked, "Senator Hoeven’s invaluable leadership brought all parties to the table, and I’m proud that the state of North Dakota did their part to commemorate our veterans."

Representative Austen Schauer added, "The passage of SB 2265 sends an important message to veterans and their families: We care."

In line with the community plan organized by Hoeven, the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard may contribute a memorial center to the VA National Cemetery Administration. Hoeven is actively advocating for this option with the VA to potentially streamline the project. Recognized as the leading 501(c)(3) entity for the center's establishment, the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard aims to oversee the development process with financial oversight provided by the Impact Foundation. Hoeven continues to engage with VA officials, including Secretary Doug Collins, to secure necessary approvals.

The proposed Veterans Memorial Center will feature various amenities catering to veterans' families and Honor Guard members, including a gathering area, gallery, offices, breakroom, garage, and parking lot. These additions aim to enhance the services provided by the FNC, aligning it with the high standards of the NDVC in Mandan.