State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Praises $1.5 Million Investment in Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today praised the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for awarding the State of Montana up to $1.5 million for the expansion of the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, Montana.
“We have a solemn responsibility to honor and remember the veterans who have served our country and passed on,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With this expansion, the State of Montana will ensure the legacy of our heroes and their families is forever memorialized at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.”
The grant from the VA is for up to $1,537,769 for the expansion of the cemetery, which will fund 300 pre-placed crypts, 820 columbarium niches, as well as roadway enhancements, landscaping, and irrigation. The VA will also reimburse the state $274,006 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery currently serves more than 17,000 veterans and eligible family members.
“Veterans cemeteries like Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula keep the memories of America’s heroes alive,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Under President Trump, VA is committed to ensuring facilities like it have the resources they need to provide excellent benefits and services to Veterans and their families, and this grant underscores that fact.”
In 2024, the governor announced the VA awarded the State of Montana $2.7 million to expand the Montana Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison, which serves more than 22,000 veterans and their family members. That award provided the cemetery with funding for 300 pre-placed crypts, 800 columbarium niches, 500 cremains gravesites, and landscaping.
Honoring our nation’s heroes for their service and sacrifice is a top priority for the governor. Since taking public office, Gov. Gianforte has honored hundreds of Montana veterans who selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community through the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. The governor is accepting nominations for the 2025 award at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.
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