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| Date: | February 15, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR MILLER’S BILL NAMES FILLMORE COUNTY AS LOCATION FOR VETERANS CEMETERY |
St. Paul - Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) introduced a bill in the Minnesota Senate today that requires the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to locate a new veterans cemetery in Fillmore County.
The National Cemetery Association determined in 2008 that southern Minnesota is beyond the reach of a recommended 75-mile service area for the state’s two existing veterans cemeteries, one at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, and one in Little Falls. The 2010 legislature directed the state commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine a suitable site and plan for new state veterans cemeteries in both southwestern Minnesota and southeastern Minnesota. The Fillmore County Board of Commissioners has offered to donate 153 acres for the cemetery.
“Beautiful Fillmore County is a fitting site for the final resting place of Minnesotans who served our country in the military,” said Sen. Miller. “Nearly 30,000 veterans live within 50 miles, making a veterans cemetery a viable option for burial for these honored citizens. A veterans cemetery will also add to the features that draw people from all over our state and adjoining states to southeastern Minnesota, creating new economic opportunities.”
The many veterans in our aging population have created the need for additional cemetery space. The federal government will reimburse the county for construction costs. The State of Minnesota is responsible for operating costs.
The bill, Senate File 327, was referred to the State Government Innovations and Veterans Committee for action.
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