AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A veterans cemetery in the Gracewood area of Augusta has been discussed for years. Plans are in place for a groundbreaking later this year, but there are concerns.
“We’ve been working on this, been wanting to see this happen for a while. I think at the end of the day, we can find the money,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.Federal dollars have been secured for the project, and the state will operate it.But instead of an entrance off Tobacco Road, it will be off Byrd Road.But the VA says it will not pay for the land required for the new entrance nor the demolition of a half dozen structures at the site.“I do believe the administrator said there are some funds that can be used for that. I’m not sure why the V.A. won’t pay for this,” said Commissioner Tina Slendak.Six years ago, city leaders committed to $2 million dollars for the project, but did not set aside funding.In SPLOST 9, there’s $2.8 million dollars for city cemeteries, but Moses Todd of the City Citizens Cemetery Committee promises a fight if any of those dollars go to a state Veterans Cemetery.“That money is earmarked for city owned cemeteries and if they try to move it anywhere else, I assure you there will be a lawsuit,” said Todd.There is strong support for the Veterans Cemetery among city leaders as they look to unearth the funds to make it happen…