Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter to Ronald Walters, Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), urging him to work expeditiously to fix flooding and draining issues at the Raleigh National Cemetery. Due to these issues, dozens of servicemembers’ graves who fought in World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War are frequently left underwater after heavy rainfall.

The letter said, in part, “I understand that the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has modified an existing grounds maintenance contract to ensure that standing water is pumped out of the cemetery when necessary. I ask that you work to ensure that this maintenance is performed immediately following periods of rainfall to avoid lasting damage and help my constituents pay their respects to the veterans buried at this site.

“I also understand that a new design contract that includes more permanent repairs is expected to be awarded this month and completed by September. I thank you for your initial work on this matter, and I ask that you keep my staff informed as you move forward with repairs to this area. I look forward to learning about the new design plan when details become available. “

The full text can be read here and below:

Dear Acting Under Secretary Walters:

As representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, I am writing to request that you work expeditiously to fix flooding and drainage issues at Raleigh National Cemetery.

Established in 1865 and maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Raleigh National Cemetery is a registered national historic cemetery that holds the tombs of nearly 6,000 people. Unfortunately, my constituents have reported substantial flooding in Section 25 after heavy rainfall. As a result, the graves of dozens of soldiers who fought in World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War are frequently left covered in muddy water for hours at a time.

I understand that the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has modified an existing grounds maintenance contract to ensure that standing water is pumped out of the cemetery when necessary. I ask that you work to ensure that this maintenance is performed immediately following periods of rainfall to avoid lasting damage and help my constituents pay their respects to the veterans buried at this site.

I also understand that a new design contract that includes more permanent repairs is expected to be awarded this month and completed by September. I thank you for your initial work on this matter, and I ask that you keep my staff informed as you move forward with repairs to this area. I look forward to learning about the new design plan when details become available.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

Very truly yours,

Deborah K. Ross

Member of Congress

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