By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Military veterans in west Alabama are closely watching to see if Congress approves money for construction of a new national cemetery in Birmingham.
Congress is considering a plan to build six national cemeteries this year, and Birmingham is one of the candidates. The plan would be the largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War. The plan must pass through this year's Department of Veteran Affairs budget, which will be announced later today. It is unclear how much money is being requested. If funding passes, it will be four to five years before the Birmingham cemetery would be ready.
There are two other national cemeteries in Alabama. Mobile National Cemetery is now full and only accepts cremated remains from family members of those buried there. There's also Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, located near Phenix City.