Michigan advances Crawford County site for state veterans cemetery; VA grant application and zoning work underway

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police on March 20 that it has entered a purchase agreement for land in Crawford County as the proposed site of a state veterans cemetery and has begun the federal VA grant process.

“...we have been working very closely with Crawford County, the elected officials there, as well as some private citizens who have property available for sale. We've entered into a purchase agreement for a tract of property that is on the southeast corner of I‑75 and 4 Mile Road,” Director Love said during the hearing.

Agency witnesses said the state has contracted Beckett and Reeder to perform feasibility studies, surveying and initial engineering required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs before a cemetery grant may be awarded. An environmental study has been contracted and a zoning request has been submitted to Beavercreek Township, the agency said.

As part of the federal grant process, MVAA reported it submitted a pre‑application approved by the VA for a little over $13,000,000. Agency witnesses discussed a range of cost estimates for construction: about $20,000,000 for a higher‑end cemetery, with lower‑cost phased approaches in the $12,000,000 to $17,000,000 range. MVAA said the governor’s recommended FY26 budget includes a $5,000,000 one‑time appropriation; if combined with a $13,000,000 VA grant award, the agency told the committee it would have approximately $18,000,000 for construction.

“The main factor is the veteran population that's impacted by a cemetery in a specific location. Crawford County has the largest veteran population impacted within a 75 mile radius of a cemetery there than any other single location in the entire nation,” Todd Butler, deputy director, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, told the subcommittee, describing the state’s competitiveness for a new establishment.

Agency officials said they are completing engineering, environmental and zoning steps required by the VA and expect to finalize the land purchase after those items are resolved, possibly this summer. They said further construction depends on the outcome of the VA grant competition and the FY26 legislative budget.

The agency told the committee it has spent roughly $50,000 to date on planning — feasibility studies and initial design work — and that the parcel under contract encompasses about 50 acres. Officials said they will continue required upfront state work prior to drawing on federal funds and will await the VA's formal grant award to begin construction.

Committee members asked whether the agency had evaluated alternative sites and how cost estimates would vary. Agency witnesses said they reviewed other locations but that the Crawford County site is highly competitive because of the concentration of veterans within a 75‑mile service area. Members also asked about possible inclusion of service animals in cemetery policy; the agency said it would consult with the VA Cemetery Administration on applicable rules and funding.

No construction timeline was committed; agency staff emphasized that federal grant decisions and the FY26 budget will determine the project schedule.