Governor Greg Gianforte is celebrating a major investment to expand the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that Montana’s veterans and their families continue to have a lasting place of honor.
“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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded the State of Montana up to $1,537,769 to fund the expansion, which includes construction of 300 pre-placed crypts, 820 columbarium niches, and improvements to roadways, landscaping, and irrigation. In addition, the VA will reimburse the state $274,006 for the fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used in the project.
The Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula 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.”
The latest award follows a $2.7 million VA grant announced by Gov. Gianforte in 2024 for expansion of the Montana Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. That project provided funding for 300 pre-placed crypts, 800 columbarium niches, 500 cremains gravesites, and landscaping to better serve more than 22,000 veterans and family members.
Honoring Montana’s veterans remains a top priority for the Gianforte administration. Since taking office, the governor has recognized hundreds of veterans across the state through the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, which celebrates Montanans who served with distinction and continue to contribute to their communities.