After nearly two decades of planning, advocacy and collaboration, construction is underway on the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Salcha.
State and federal officials, Veterans, project partners and community members gathered at the site June 20 for a groundbreaking and dedication ceremony. The milestone marks the beginning of construction on Alaska’s first state operated Veterans cemetery and brings Interior Alaska Veterans closer to having a final resting place near their families and communities.
The first phase will include 351 preplaced crypts, 600 columbarium niches and 279 cremains gravesites, along with a committal shelter, administrative building, maintenance building, landscaping and supporting infrastructure. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027, with the first interments anticipated in 2028.
R&M’s Role
R&M has supported the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities on the project since 2012.
R&M’s multi-discipline team provided planning, site feasibility studies, environmental review and permitting, land surveying, geotechnical investigations, remote sensing, cemetery planning and civil design. The team also prepared construction documents and designed site infrastructure in accordance with federal grant requirements, accessibility standards and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration guidelines.
More recently, R&M completed wetland delineation and well testing, prepared geotechnical recommendations and supported National Environmental Policy Act compliance through preparation of the project’s Environmental Assessment. Completing the environmental review was a critical step in securing federal approval and advancing the project to construction.
A Collaborative Approach
The project’s long history and extensive list of stakeholders required thoughtful coordination among state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, community members and consulting partners. That collaborative approach helped the team navigate changing project conditions, environmental requirements and an accelerated final review schedule.
In May, R&M Environmental Group Manager Kristi McLean, LEED AP, CESCL and Environmental Specialist Lindsey Sutherland presented the project at the 2026 National Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference and Training Symposium in Anchorage.
Their session, The Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery: A Multi Stakeholder Success Story, explored the project’s complex history, stakeholder coordination and lessons learned while preparing a comprehensive National Environmental Policy Act document under a short timeline. The presentation shared a real world Alaska case study with environmental professionals from across the country, highlighting the value of relationship management and effective stakeholder engagement on complex infrastructure projects.
Looking Ahead
The groundbreaking represents a major milestone for the many people who remained committed to the cemetery throughout years of planning and development. Once complete, it will provide Interior Alaska Veterans and their families with a lasting place of dignity, remembrance and honor.
Learn More
Read more about the groundbreaking and the project’s history:
- Alaska’s News Source: Construction Begins at Salcha Veterans Cemetery
- KUAC: Salcha Site Groundbreaking Marks Veterans Cemetery Milestone
Services Mentioned
Stay in the Loop
Sign up for our News & Views email list and get the latest highlights in your inbox
