TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The National Cemetery Association has approved a grant application to build the first state veterans cemetery of East Texas in Harrison County.
Harrison County Judge Chad Sims made the announcement at an event in Tyler on Monday.
“It’s gone from something that’s a hope and a dream that something that’s really going to happen,” said Sims.
The nearest state veterans cemetery for most East Texans sits in Dallas. The proposed site of the new cemetery would sit in Harrison County near I-20 and FM 968. Sims says they will work to create a new exit in that area.
Sims made the announcement at an event honoring the legacy of the Christian Family, who are donating the 64 acres of land for the cemetery.
Debra Christian says she is still working through legal issues on the property, but according to Sims the project is set to go to bid in October of next year.
The project has also been put at 16 on the list of the VA’s proposed cemeteries. “We are number 16 in the nation. That’s an amazing accomplishment,” said Sims.
Initial design plans have been approved and the investment is estimated at around $16 million dollars.
There is no timetable on when the project would be complete after a succesful bid was completed.
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