Veterans cemetery in the works

The Idaho Division of Veterans Service is asking for pubic opinion on a proposed plan to build an $8.3 million Veterans cemetery in Blackfoot.

A grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs along with federal funds will go toward paying a portion of the cost. About $7.5 million of the $8.3 million will be funded through the government and the remaining portion will be paid by the Idaho Division of Veterans.

Over the past years, the IDVS has been working through the VA construction grant process to visit and evaluate over 30 possible sites in Eastern Idaho. The IDVS is recommending the veterans cemetery be built on 38 acres of land in Blackfoot near the State Hospital South, which is currently being leased by agricultural production companies.

If the plans are approved, construction for the project could happen as early as September 2017. The project would serve 23,000 Eastern Idaho veterans and their families.

The Idaho Division of Veterans Sevices will accept public comment until Dec. 30.