A grant of up to $1,325,135 to the state of new mexico for the expansion of the fort stanton state veterans cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the State of New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services $1,325,135 on September 5, 2025, under the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (CFDA 64.203) to expand the Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery. The project will be completed by September 30, 2028, and will deliver 202 in-ground cremation gravesites along with supporting infrastructure improvements including roadways, landscaping, and irrigation systems. This expansion directly serves the cemetery's current population of over 12,000 veterans and eligible family members in the region, increasing burial capacity and memorial services.

The Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, administered by the NCA, provides federal funding to states and other eligible entities to establish, expand, and improve veterans' cemeteries that complement the VA's national cemetery system in geographic areas where demand exceeds capacity. This award exemplifies the program's mission to enhance burial services for the veteran population through infrastructure development, with all projects required to conform to VA standards and comply with domestic content requirements.

The fort stanton cemetery serves more than 12,000 veterans and their eligible family members in the region. The grant will fund 202 in-ground cremation gravesites, roadways, landscaping and irrigation.