Noem bill to expand Black Hills National Cemetery advances in House

The House of Representatives approved legislation on Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) introduced to facilitate a land transfer to accommodate expansion of the Black Hills National Cemetery.

The Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act, H.R.3839, would transfer approximately 200 acres of land outside Sturgis, South Dakota, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand the cemetery.

“Those who have served and the families who sacrificed beside them deserve our nation’s eternal gratitude,” Noem said. “By allowing for the permanent expansion of the Black Hills National Cemetery, veterans today and for generations to come can be assured that our country will forever honor their service. I strongly urge the Senate to move quickly on approving this important bipartisan legislation.”

The Black Hills National Cemetery is currently located on approximately 100 acres of land. The facility needs additional space to accommodate future veterans, and BLM currently holds even more land adjacent to the cemetery.

Because federal law limits land transfers to a lifespan of 20 years, Noem’s bill would be necessary to make the transfer for the Black Hills National Cemetery permanent.

Noem introduced the bill in October and testified before the House Natural Resources Committee about it in May.