Title
a. Receive a report on options for supporting Phase II in the development of Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, which would allow for in-ground burials; and,
b. Direct staff to report back to the Board of Supervisors by September 12, 2017.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Receive a report on options for supporting Phase II in the development of Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, which would allow for in-ground burials; and,
b. Direct staff to report back to the Board of Supervisors by September 12, 2017.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Central Coast Veterans Cemetery is owned and managed by the State of California as one of three California State Veterans Cemeteries. Currently, only Phase I of development is complete and only accommodates cremated remains. Phase II would allow for in-ground burials, an important religious consideration.
During Budget Hearings, the Department of Social Services was asked to report back on options for supporting Phase II. It is estimated that total Phase II project costs would be $9.2 million with $6.2 million being funded through US Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery administration (NCA), and a local share requirement estimated to be $3.0 million. This includes a contingency based on the experience in developing Phase I where the NCA reduced the federal share from their first estimate. It's anticipated the $6.2 million could be reduced by from 10% to 15% in the NCA's final commitment to this Phase.
Currently, the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation has raised $1.6 million, leaving a local funding need of approximately $1.4 million.
There is a level of urgency towards pursuing a Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Federal Veterans Cemetery Grant, since the Phase II expansion of the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery has a high ranking given the cemetery is already established, has solid local backing, and Federal appropriations are available this Fiscal Year. Additionally, there is concern that only providing for the interment...
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