FERNLEY — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Thursday that it has awarded a $499,900 grant to the Northern Nevada Memorial Cemetery. This grant will help fund the construction of full casketed grave sites, cremains burial areas, visitor parking, landscaping, irrigation and supporting infrastructure. The project will develop approximately three acres to include 451 standard burial plots and 1,619 in-ground cremains sites. The Nevada Office of Veterans Services (NOVS) sought the additional funds to meet the growing demand for the northern Nevada cemetery.  

NOVS executive director Tim Tetz noted that the grant will not cover all anticipated costs and the state has been unable to allocate additional funds to complete the expansion.  Private donors have pledged their support to the project, but additional contributions will likely be needed.  A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at a future date to recognize cemetery supporters.

NOVS was created in 1943 to provide assistance and services to veterans, their family members and residents of Nevada serving in the armed forces of the United States. For more information, call NOVS toll free at 1-866-630-VETS (8387) or visit www.veterans.nv.gov.