Board backs legislation to protect planned veterans cemetery; staff outlines next steps for VA funding

The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported legislative action (AB 571) on Feb. 24 designed to shield a planned veterans cemetery project from further legal delay, and staff reported progress toward federal funding eligibility.

Nick Berardino, president of the Veterans Alliance of Orange County, thanked the board for consistent support and urged quick action: "This bill recognizes it, gives us the exemption that we deserve because we've already passed [CEQA] to stop the harassment." County planning staff told the board the site was listed as an eligible site for VA grants in October and that CalVet requires a completed site plan and additional documents before qualifying the project for a grant list this fall.

County staff said the proposal envisions transferring the state veteran cemetery parcel to CalVet for ownership and operation, coordinating grading and infrastructure work for cost savings, and moving forward with entitlement steps once litigation is resolved. The board recorded broad support from multiple supervisors and stakeholders for advancing the legislation and continued work with state partners.

Outcome: Motion to support the legislative item and related aid passed unanimously. Staff will finalize documents needed for CalVet grant eligibility and continue coordination with the cemetery district and state agencies.

What happens next: County staff aim to finalize a site plan and accompanying documents in the coming month for a July filing deadline with CalVet; if accepted, the county will coordinate transfer and grading plans with CalVet and the cemetery district.