State Cemetery Grants

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Program Accomplishments

For fiscal year 2008 the State Cemetery Grants Service has received requests totaling $198,497,229. The State Cemetery Grants Service estimates approximately five to ten applications to establish, expand, or improve State veterans cemeteries in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Monetary assistance is provided under this program to construct, expand, improve or operate State veterans' cemeteries.

Cemeteries must be State-owned and operated solely for the interment of eligible veterans and their dependents and/or spouses.

Construction cost means the amount found necessary to convert a tract of land to an operational cemetery.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Any State may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

The cemetery must be used solely for the interment of veterans, their wives, husbands, surviving spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children who were physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self support: section 38 CFR Part 38.620.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with revised OMB Circular No. A-87 for State Governments, dated May 4, 1995, and further amended August 29, 1997.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Consultation or assistance is available from VA Central Office personnel (State Cemetery Grants Service) to aid in the preparation of an application.

The standard application forms as furnished by VA and required by OMB Circular No.

A-102 must be used for this program (Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance," with attachments).

An environmental assessment is required.

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

Submit Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance for Construction Programs," with attachments, to the Director, State Cemetery Grants Service (401C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedures

Formal notification of the award to the State is made by the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration.

Deadlines

A deadline of July 1 is established for the filing of applications in the year prior to the fiscal year in which funding is requested.

Authorization

Veterans Housing Benefits Act of 1978, Section 202, Public Laws 95-476, 98-223, 100-687, 103-446, and 105-368; 38 U.S.C. 2408.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 30 to 60 days.

Appeals

No application shall be disapproved until the applicant has been afforded an opportunity for a hearing.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

The amount of the Federal contribution to a State is up to 100 percent of the cost of establishing, improving or expanding State Veterans Cemeteries. In the case of establishment grants, the cost of operating equipment may also be included. Land value is not included as an allowable cost for reimbursement under the grant.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Funds are provided by electronic transfer of funds and must be used within 3 years.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs, and Performance Reports are accomplished in accord with 38 CFR Part 43.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records and all other records pertinent to a grant shall be retained for a period of three years. If any claim or audit is started before the expiration of the three year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved.

Financial Information

Account Identification

36-0183-0-1-705.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $45,888,000; FY 08 est $39,838,000; and FY 09 est $32,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$4,305 to $10,965,487. Average: $1,915,488.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

VA Regulations 38 CFR Parts 39 and 43, State Cemetery Grant Program and "Federal Assistance for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement of State Veterans' Cemeteries (State Cemetery Grants Program)" (VA Pamphlet 40-96).

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Director, State Cemetery Grants Service, (41E), National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420. Contact: Mr. Frank K. Salvas, Jr. Telephone: (202) 565-4804. Fax: (202) 565-6141.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Applications are prioritized and ranked with other projects in the order received. The priority system consists of four groups or categories. Examples: The extent to which States have adequate funds to initiate and complete the design process required for approval for the grant program, and the extent to which a project involves additional gravesites necessary to keep the cemetery open.