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State seeks 50-acre site for veterans cemetery; NECCOG asked to help identify land
Summary
At the March 28 NECCOG meeting, Sherry Vogt said Connecticut has secured $3.2 million to buy land for a new 50‑acre veterans cemetery as the Middletown site nears capacity and asked towns—particularly those west of Route 395—to suggest parcels with road access and minimal wetlands.
Sherry Vogt told the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments on March 28 that Connecticut is searching for a new 50-acre parcel to serve as a veterans cemetery because the existing Middletown site is expected to reach capacity in about two and a half years.
"The state has secured $3.2 million for land acquisition and is asking towns—especially west of Route 395—to help identify suitable land with road access, minimal wetlands, and space to support three burials per day," Vogt said. She said the new site must allow for a chapel and equipment shed and won’t require construction of new roads.
Vogt summarized eligibility following federal guidelines: veterans with at least 90 days of active-duty service, their spouses and dependent children under 18, or those with disabilities diagnosed before age 18, are eligible for burial. Plots, headstones and opening/closing are provided free; families typically pay a $900 grave liner.
Vogt’s request was placed during the meeting’s public-participation period so towns could begin identifying candidate parcels that meet the state’s siting preferences. NECCOG members were asked to raise suitable parcels with the Director and to prioritize parcels that minimize wetlands and have existing road access.
