05.02.25

Hoeven: $3 Million in State Funding a Key Step in Advancing FNC Veterans Memorial Center

Senator Marks Milestone as State Now Participating in Larger Effort to Build a First-Class Federal Cemetery for Veterans

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the signing of Senate Bill 2265, legislation which provides $3 million in state funding for the development of a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). The bill was sponsored by Senators Scott Meyer, Randy Burckhard, Kathy Hogan, Larry Luick and Ron Sorvaag and Representative Austen Schauer. The funds will become available once the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides final approval of the project plan and authorizes construction to begin, priorities which Hoeven continues working to advance at the federal level.

At the signing ceremony with Governor Kelly Armstrong, the bill’s sponsors and members of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Hoeven outlined how:

  • The state is now participating in larger, long-term efforts to build a first-class federal veterans cemetery, on par with the state-run North Dakota Veterans Cemetery (NDVC) in Mandan.
    • Hoeven stressed that this federal-state-local partnership is a proven model, which has helped provide $9 million in federal funding for improvements at the NDVC.
  • Today’s milestone builds upon his efforts on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations Committee to:
    • Secure the original site for establishing the FNC.
    • Expand the cemetery’s footprint from 5 to 35 acres.
    • Provide initial enhancements to the cemetery’s infrastructure to better support burials and improve comfort for visitors and volunteers.
  • The legislation bolsters the working group and community plan he worked to establish for building a facility at the FNC that incorporates local input and adequately addresses the needs of veterans, their families and volunteers.

“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. That’s how we will provide an outstanding federal cemetery that is worthy of our veterans, just as we did for the state-run North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Our thanks go to Senators Meyer, Burckhard, Hogan, Luick and Sorvaag and Representative Schauer for shepherding this bill through the state legislature, and we appreciate the support of Governor Armstrong,” said Senator Hoeven. “We continue working to secure key support from the administration to keep this project moving forward. Ultimately, this is about providing the kind of facilities our veterans and their families have earned and properly honoring their service to our nation.”

“As the son of a Vietnam veteran, it was the honor of my legislative career to secure funding for upgrades at the Fargo National Cemetery,” said Senator Meyer. “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.”

“"The passage of SB 2265 sends an important message to veterans and their families: We care. We care about you while serving. We care about you when you leave the military, and ultimately, we care for you when your times comes to end,” said Representative Schauer. “Our goal is to bring the Fargo National Cemetery to the same high standard as the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. That is a high bar, but attainable when we work together to achieve it.”

Developing the Veterans Memorial Center

          Under the community plan developed by the Hoeven-led working group, the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard may develop and donate a commemorative work, such as a memorial center, to the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Hoeven advanced this option with the VA to save the project time and cost, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard was officially named as the 501(c)(3) responsible for building the center in October, utilizing the Impact Foundation to provide financial oversight for the project. Hoeven continues making the case to the VA for the Honor Guard’s proffer and working to ensure approval of the project’s conceptual design. The senator also secured commitments from VA Secretary Doug Collins and Sam Brown, the nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs (USMA), to work with him on building the Veterans Memorial Center, which will include the following amenities:

  • Gathering area to be used by family and friends of the deceased veteran prior to or following the interment.
  • Gallery to showcase the lives and service of our veterans.
  • Offices for VA staff.
  • Breakroom for the Honor Guard members.
  • Indoor restrooms.
  • Garage to accommodate a hearse.
  • Parking lot.

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