Congressman Chris Smith (R-Hamilton), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, today announced that more than $1.5 million has been allocated by the Department of Veterans Affairs for expansion and enhancement of the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, Burlington County.

    The cemetery, which provides about 2,500 burials each year, is one of the 15 most relied upon veterans cemeteries in the country.  At the end of August, the cemetery, which opened in 1986, held 28,677 remains.  At its capacity, it will hold the remains of 215,000 veterans.

    “This federal money will allow for the construction of a 1,680-niche columbarium for cremated remains, as well as site preparation for an additional 1,500 garden niches for cremated remains.  All total, the cemetery will gain more than 3,000 new cremation burial plots through this grant, plots that are very much in need,” Smith said.

    The cremation rate for veterans’ cemeteries has climbed to 18 percent, meaning more room is needed for cremated remains.

    “I’m pleased the VA has realized the tremendous need we have to expand this sacred ground for cremated remains and has provided this significant funding assistance,” Smith said.

    The full amount of the VA grant is $1,597,589.

    “One of the commitments we make as a nation to those who served is that we will provide a proper burial ground for our deceased veterans.  I will continue to work to ensure the VA provides adequate funding so the men and women who served our nation can be buried in a veterans’ cemetery if they so choose,” he added.

    As Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Smith has authored several laws to significantly increase services and benefits for veterans.  One of Smith’s laws, The Veterans Education and Benefit Expansion Act, increases burial and funeral allowances by 25 percent, and doubles the allowance for burial plots.