Scott Hudgens, a World War II veteran who was a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Atlanta, offered to donate the property before his death in October. In accepting the deed, Principi called it a generous donation that was a tribute to the entire Hudgens family. All Americans are indebted to you for your kindness and generosity, he said. By acquiring the land by donation rather than purchase, Principi said America s taxpayers have been saved millions of dollars and Georgia s veterans have had years reduced from the normal timetable to create a new cemetery. The event was held in the Capitol Hill office of Sen. Max Cleland, with other members of the Georgia congressional delegation attending.
Construction begins in about two years.
The site, about 35 miles from Atlanta, was selected over 11 others VA examined. It will serve approximately 400,000 veterans living within 75 miles. The property is between Canton and Sutallee, near the Etowah River. It offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north and Lake Allatoona to the south. The department s goal is to increase the percentage of veterans served by a national or state veterans cemetery within 75 miles of their homes to 88 percent by 2006.