Alabama National Cemetery
The Alabama Veterans Administration National Cemetery is a national cemetery for veterans of the United States armed forces under development on 479 acres adjacent to the American Village near Montevallo.
The process of developing a national cemetery in the Birmingham area began in December 2003 when the Department of Veterans Affairs began speaking with local representatives and veterans' groups to solicit suggested sites. Spencer Bachus took a lead role in assisting the process. The area surrounding American Village was quickly chosen as the best site, with evaluations lasting from December 2004 to April 26, 2006, followed by a 30-day public comment period.
Two of the four parcels under initial consideration were no longer available when the National Cemetery Association began land acquisition. The 495-acre "Fowler Tract" was purchased in July 2007 for $8 million earmarked in the 2006 federal budget. Master planning and design development proceeded under the 2007 federal budget, and $18.5 million has been included in the 2008 budget for construction. The cemetery is scheduled to open for burials in Fall 2008.
The cemetery's director is Quincy Whitehead. The first phase of development will provide 9,100 full-casket grave site, a 2,700-unit columbarium, and 3,100 in-ground spaces for cremated remains. Other facilities will include an administration office and information desk, a maintenance complex, shelters for committal services, and associated infrastructure.
References
- Wilstach, Nancy (December 23, 2007) "Federal 2008 budget funds National Veterans Cemetery in Montevallo." Birmingham News
External links
- Burials & Memorials. United States Department of Veterans Affairs.