House Republicans applaud groundbreaking on historic Interior of Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Salcha

JUNEAU, AK — House Republicans cheered today’s groundbreaking on the highly anticipated Interior of Alaska Veterans Cemetery, located on a scenic hilltop in Salcha, just south of Eielson Air Force Base.

Spanning 257 acres, the project marks a historic milestone as Alaska’s very first state-operated veterans cemetery and the northernmost facility of its kind in the United States.

“For too many years, families in the Interior have faced the painful reality of having to transport their departed heroes hundreds of miles away to Anchorage or Sitka just to receive a proper military burial,” said Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks, who helped to secure state funding required to match a $15 million federal grant from the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program.

“This cemetery ensures our local veterans will finally have a final resting place of dignity and distinction right here in the Interior, where their families can easily visit and honor their incredible legacy,” Rep. Tomaszewski said.

Once phase-one construction is finalized, the pristine location will feature 350 pre-placed crypts, 250 traditional in-ground burial sites, 600 columbarium niches, a shelter, and a public administrative information center.

The facility directly answers a decades-long need to serve the estimated 11,000 veterans residing in the Interior.

“The location offers sweeping views of the Tanana River Valley and the Alaska Range—a truly fitting tribute to those who sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, a U.S. Army veteran. “I am proud to see this community-led effort transitioning from vision to reality.”

The facility’s initial phase is projected to reach substantial completion by October 2027.

“This project would not be a reality without the exceptional leadership of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Hank Bartos and former North Pole Rep. Tammie Wilson, who also both served on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly,” said Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole. “Thanks to their advocacy, we successfully partnered with the State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to fund the cemetery’s land acquisition, while simultaneously working with our federal delegation to secure the construction funding. They truly deserve the lion’s share of the credit for bringing this vision to life.”