KINGSTON, NY — Ulster County lawmakers earlier this month approved a pair of resolutions that pave the way for the creation of a new veterans’ cemetery in New Paltz.
Lawmakers unanimously and without discussion approved a resolution declaring the project would have no significant environmental impact on the area and another authorizing the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to enter into an agreement with the rural cemetery of New Paltz for the creation of the new cemetery, which will be located approximately 300 yards from the County Veterans Cemetery.
In 2008, the legislature authorized the establishment of the Ulster County Veterans Cemetery at New Paltz Rural Cemetery on Plains Road in New Paltz. Burial in the cemetery is available to all Ulster County veterans and their spouses or dependent children at county expense.
Ulster County Veterans Services director Mark Cozzupoli said with the existing cemetery reaching capacity, the county worked with New Paltz Rural Cemetery to rent additional space.
The new cemetery, he said, will accommodate about 3,000 burial plots, he said.
“It’s enough to provide burial space for the next 100 years,” Cozzupoli said.
Cozzupoli said the new cemetery will provide veterans in the county “the dignified burial place our veterans deserve.”
He said the county hopes to dedicate the new cemetery on Memorial Day.
