FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says an agreement in principle has been reached with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a final design for a welcome center at Fargo National Cemetery.
It will take up almost 6,800 square feet of space with a gathering area, indoor restrooms and an indoor committal shelter.
The center will be financed with almost $5 million in donations from the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard along with funding from the North Dakota Legislature and the federal government.
A bill to help fund the welcome center was introduced in the Minnesota legislature by DFL State Senator Rob Kupec of Moorhead, but it didn’t make it to the Senate Floor.
Fargo Memorial Honor Guard member Jason Hicks says the project does have state support and his organization has received donations from several VFWs, American Legions, Kiwanis Clubs and Lions Clubs from Baudette to Alexandria and Moorhead.
Hoeven expects a welcome center groundbreaking will take place in the fall.
The VA has also agreed to manage and maintain the facility.
