Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery breaks ground in Salcha

Alaska broke ground last week on its first state veterans cemetery, a milestone for Interior veterans and their families who have long lacked a dedicated burial site in the state.

The ceremony took place June 30 at a 257-acre site off Johnson Road in Salcha, about 30 miles south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan attended along with U.S. Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown and Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs Director Verdie Bowen.

"Alaska has the most veterans per capita of any state, yet has never had a state veterans cemetery — until now," Sullivan said.

The state identified and secured the Salcha site in 2022. A 2024 open house brought the public to the 257-acre hilltop location, offering a first look before construction began this summer.

Sullivan said construction is expected to be completed by October 2027.