Legislators hear testimony on bill to upgrade Fargo National Cemetery

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota legislators heard testimony on Friday for a bill that would fund upgrades to Fargo National Cemetery.

The bill would give $3 million to the department of Veteran’s Affairs, which would then be given to a non-profit to be used to fund upgrades for the cemetery.

Those who spoke in favor of the bill included Fargo Memorial Guard Commander Jason Hicks, who presented the committee with a slide presentation with their plans on how to spend the money.

Their plan includes an indoor viewing area, a veteran’s gallery, offices for VA staff, a breakroom for honor guard members, Indoor restrooms, a garage large enough for a hearse, and an expansion of the cemetery’s parking lot.

Hicks shared the issues both honor guard and the loved ones of veterans face during some services.

“This is the road we’re talking about, and the lack of parking. That is Cass County Road 20. It’s a 55 mile per hour road. The gravel trucks, beet trucks, grain trucks, you name it, are driving that road at 55 miles per hour,” Hicks said. “Basically, if you park a car on each side of the loop that the VA provided, there is not enough room for the hearse to get through.”

The bill was amended so that the money would be contingent on approval from the VA, with the amended version being given a do-pass recommendation by the committee.

There was no testimony in opposition to the bill.