U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer stood alongside veterans at the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes Aug. 17 to launch his push in securing $5 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure, expand capacity and enhance security at the cemetery.
The cemetery, located in Seneca County, is a nationally recognized memorial that honors hundreds of thousands of veterans, including 33 Purple Heart recipients connected to the historic Sampson military installations.
The grounds originally housed the Sampson College for returning GI Bill veterans from 1946 to 1949, and then later served as the Sampson Air Force Basic Military Training Center.
In an effort to improve the site, Schumer announced his push for $3 million in federal funding in the Fiscal
Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill to create a safer and more accessible gateway.
In addition to these funds, Schumer said, he is pushing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration to approve New York State’s applications for two veterans cemetery grants. This would provide over $2 million in additional federal support for cemetery expansion, infrastructure improvements and headstone maintenance.
"As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary this year, we must honor the service and sacrifices of Americans who have served in the armed forces,” Schumer said in a statement. “That is why I am here today to launch my push for nearly $5 million in federal support to make critical upgrades to this historic veterans cemetery. I’m proud to launch my push for over $5 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans have the dignified resting place they have earned after fighting to protect our freedom.”
The veterans cemetery grants will support the construction of 300 additional burial crypts, allowing more veterans and eligible family members to be laid to rest at the site. The project will also upgrade stormwater infrastructure, construct new fencing and update signage to improve navigation.
Michael Nozzolio, chairman of the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery and former NYS senator, said they are extremely grateful for Schumer's support to enhance the cemetery.
"Senator Schumer’s advocacy in the United States Senate is critically important for the approval of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services grant request that will make the first New York State Veterans Cemetery safer, more secure and create easier access for senior citizens and the disabled, providing many more the opportunity to honor the veterans of our United States Armed Forces,” Nozzolio said in a statement.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Schumer seeks $5M for upgrades at Finger Lakes veterans cemetery
