State clears path for $86M veterans cemetery at Gypsum Canyon

California's Department of Veterans Affairs has completed a comprehensive feasibility study for Orange County's first dedicated veterans cemetery, confirming an $86 million construction plan for a site at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, officials announced May 8.

The study's completion marks a turning point for a project stalled for years after its original Irvine location fell through. Orange County is home to one of California's largest veteran communities, yet has never had a dedicated burial ground for those who served.

Updated eco-friendly designs reduced the project's original cost estimate by $45 million while increasing burial capacity by 50%, according to a state news release cited by Voice of OC. The cemetery will be built in eight phases: initial construction will accommodate 30,000 placements, with the site eventually capable of holding 157,000 veterans across all phases. The project will also partner with the OC Cemetery District to further contain costs.

"This milestone provides renewed momentum for a project that has long been a priority for veterans, families, and community leaders in Southern California," the California Department of Veterans Affairs said in its May 8 release.

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva said the study converts a long-held goal into an executable roadmap. "This project is moving from vision to reality, and this study gives us the practical information we need to keep that momentum going," she said, according to the state release.

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner said the project has been unusually unifying for a region often divided on public works questions. "This cemetery project has brought the whole Orange County community together in a way we have not seen for quite some time," Wagner said. "Serving our veterans is the perfect reason for us to come together." He also described the project as "quite achievable," according to Voice of OC.

Nick Berardino, president of the Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR), said construction is imminent. "We are extremely grateful for all the incredible support we have received throughout the community," Berardino said. "It's through their efforts and the unwavering commitment from veterans that we will soon be moving to Phase I Construction." He cautioned that an exact completion date remains uncertain but said officials are targeting late 2028 to mid-2029.

Next year's work will focus on utilities infrastructure — water and power — before vertical construction begins. The Gypsum Canyon site sits off the 91 freeway in Anaheim.

Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, who is running for state senate, framed the project as a matter of overdue respect. "Orange County, one of the largest veteran communities in California, has long deserved a place where those who served can be remembered with the dignity and honor they earned," Valencia said, according to the state release. "Gypsum Canyon is that place."