The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a construction contract for more than $10 million to expand National Cemetery on Arsenal Island.

VA awarded the $10.1 million contract to Veteran/Pacific Joint Venture, a minority-owned small business based in Chicago.

"With this expansion, VA is continuing to keep our commitment to the men and women who have served our nation by providing a shrine-like final resting place for them and their families for many years," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.

The expansion project encompasses approximately 25 acres and will provide more than 7,000 gravesites, including casket gravesites, preplaced crypts and a columbarium for cremation remains.

It also will provide a new committal service shelter, an assembly area, public restrooms, an information building, a maintenance area, and additions and renovations to the administration building.  New and renovated infrastructure features for water distribution, roads and utilities are included.  The VA expects construction to begin within one month and be completed by late 2008.

The expansion will permit burials for veterans and eligible family members to continue for at least the next decade.