Environmental report on Veterans Cemetery enters comment phase.

Two decades of anticipation, legislation, disappointments and progress have marked the path to the establishment of a veterans cemetery at the former Fort Ord. We are positioned to meet the fall 2014 deadline to secure final grant approval by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and begin construction of the California Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery.

With the uncertainty of the VA’s cemetery grant program funding beyond the current budget year, U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, and I have worked over the past year to reduce the size and footprint of the project and secure the necessary funds. Many others have worked to secure over $6 million in federal funds, $2 million in state funds, and more than $600,000 raised by the local community.

State and federal agencies have gone above and beyond their regular schedules to meet short deadlines without jeopardizing the project’s integrity, including the required environmental review process. What historically has taken a minimum of three years to design and plan for a veterans’ construction project has been condensed to less than one, without compromising quality or aesthetics. This approach has also focused on avoiding cost overruns to stay within our projected budget. These agencies have given every consideration to insure the design of the cemetery has minimal impact on the natural environment and appropriately reflects the architectural history of Monterey County. For the first time in over 20 years the vision of a veterans cemetery is about to be realized – a stand-alone veterans cemetery not connected to any other development project.

As required by state and federal guidelines, an environmental assessment was started at the end of last year and is subject to state and federal standards, including public comment periods. An Initial Study/Environmental Assessment has been prepared for the proposed cemetery. The study provides facts, technical studies and other evidence to identify any potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.

The study also identifies mitigation measures to reduce any potential significant impacts. It is available for public review and comment from June 13-July 12. The California Department of Veterans Affairs will consider all comments before the project is approved.

The urgency to realize this project has resulted in an unprecedented collaboration between the community and local, state and federal agencies. We have also managed the timelines and requirements of federal and state veterans’ agencies in a manner that is both transparent and consistent with established project review requirements that protect the integrity of this long-awaited vision. With the continued support of the broader community for this effort, we are well-positioned to cross the finish line.

STATE SEN. BILL MONNING, D-Carmel, represents the 17th District.