Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton) and Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D – Santa Ana) announced the inclusion of additional state funding for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery to be located in Orange County. This funding comes as the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet) has finalized and submitted its application for federal grant funding for the Gypsum Canyon site through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, with the submission deadline set for June 31, 2024.

“We are one step closer to fulfilling our commitment to those who have bravely served our nation,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “Partnership between the state and federal government is crucial for the success of this project. Securing this funding, as well as applying for this grant, will ensure that we can move forward effectively and provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for our veterans.”

The $5 million in additional state funding was included in the California state budget, which was passed by both houses of the legislature on June 13 and chaptered into law on June 26. This funding supplements the existing $25 million allocated from previous legislative sessions. Coupled with the $20 million pledged by the county and contributions from the Orange County Cemetery District, as well as the potential influx of federal grant money, the Gypsum Canyon site’s future is now more secure than ever before. Combined, these financial resources not only support the development of the site but also underscore the Orange County community’s pledge to create a memorial that honors the sacrifice and service of our veterans for generations to come.

“I am grateful to our colleagues in the State Legislature and to the Governor for including this important funding for this long-awaited project,” said Senator Umberg (US Army Colonel, retired). “I, along with Assemblymember Quirk-Silva, are committed to bringing a final resting place, befitting their sacrifice, to the Veterans of Orange County and their families.”

The next step in the process is the review of the federal grant application by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the subsequent results in October 2024.

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Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the Orange County communities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, and La Palma, as well as the Los Angeles County communities of Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens.

Senator Thomas Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, and Santa Ana in Orange County, as well as South and East Whittier in Los Angeles County. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former federal prosecutor. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.