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Minnesota senator presents request to support Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery; subcommittee holds bill over
Summary
Senate File 2,550 would authorize a Minnesota contribution toward a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (Harwood, N.D.) that serves veterans from western Minnesota; proponents described fundraising, regional need and plan to transfer the facility to the VA on completion.
Senate File 2,550 — a request by a Minnesota senator for a state contribution toward construction of a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (located in Harwood, North Dakota) — was presented to the subcommittee and held over for possible inclusion. Supporters said the facility would serve veterans from western Minnesota and neighboring states and would be turned over to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for long‑term operation after construction.
Senator Kupak introduced the request, explaining the cemetery serves western Minnesota and the Seventh Congressional District. Project representatives said the cemetery lacks an on‑site shelter or chapel for families and honor‑guard volunteers who currently wait in vehicles between ceremonies. James Gerhollam, project coordinator and fundraiser, said the nonprofit coalition supporting the project has raised about $1.5 million from 251 Minnesota donors and is seeking additional state contributions to complete the building, which he estimated would cost $4.5–$5.0 million.
Jason Hicks, commander of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, described operational needs: the site is exposed to extreme weather, ceremonies are held year‑round and volunteers have no shelter; multiple ceremonies sometimes occur in a single day. Hicks said the completed facility would include shelter space, a gathering area, restrooms, a gallery and parking and would be turned over to the VA for maintenance once completed. He said North Dakota and other partners have been approached for funding; the group has also asked North Dakota for $3 million.
Committee members asked about coordination with MDVA and whether the department had been consulted. Senator Anderson said the bill directs funds to the commissioner of veterans affairs; bill sponsors said they had notified MDVA but had not received a formal endorsement. Senator Duckworth encouraged multistate cooperation and suggested commemorative recognition acknowledging contributions by partner states.
Senate File 2,550 was held over for possible inclusion in the omnibus process. Sponsors said the initiative seeks to relieve harsh weather impacts on families and honor‑guard volunteers and to provide a dignified, climate‑protected space for services where a federal rural national cemetery currently lacks a facility.
