The Department of Veterans' Affairs confirmed this morning that representatives from the National Cemetery Administration and VA’s Office of Construction Management have screened several potential sites for a new national cemetery in southern Colorado, including the Kane Ranch property in El Paso County. 

According to the VA, the Kane Ranch is considered to be the “leading potential site” to serve veterans in the area. 

The VA is in the first stage of the site evaluation process and has initiated a formal Environmental Assessment (EA) of Kane Ranch.  The EA is anticipated to take four to five months to complete once a contract is awarded. VA staff met with county officials and confirmed the Kane Ranch property could be transferred to VA through a donation and with no covenants or restrictions.

“I am encouraged to see progress and will continue to monitor activity to ensure that the veterans in southern Colorado receive a national cemetery worthy of the service and sacrifice they have given to our great country. I thank the VA for listening to Colorado’s veterans and their families and look forward to continuing my efforts to make this cemetery a reality.” – Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Additionally, the VA recently completed a market survey of potential architect/engineer suppliers to support the new cemetery. The VA’s market survey targeted small businesses, including Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Veteran Owned, 8(a), HUBZone, Woman Owned, and Small Disadvantaged Businesses.  A number of Colorado suppliers have responded to the VA’s market survey.

There are several planning phases that must be completed before construction begins.  The VA estimates it will be two years before groundbreaking and construction begin in earnest.