NY S00866

Director of Veterans Services must issue a public request for information from local governments interested in hosting the first state veterans cemetery, with responses due within 60 days and posted publicly online.

Division must conduct investigation and study on cemetery construction and establishment in cooperation with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with report delivered within 180 days to governor, legislative leaders, and relevant committees.

Selection committee of nine members (including director of veteran services, budget director, and appointees from governor and legislature) shall evaluate study results and submitted information to determine cemetery location by majority vote.

Director of Division of Budget and State Comptroller must certify sufficient funds exist to cover non-reimbursable operation and maintenance costs for at least 10 years before any federal funding application is submitted.

Once certification of sufficient funds is made, director has 30 days to commence federal grant application process for construction, establishment, and operation of the first state veterans cemetery.