The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected a 466-acre property in Sarasota County as the site for a new national cemetery in west central Florida.

The property is located four miles east of Interstate 75 and southeast of the City of Sarasota.

Funding for the purchase of the land was appropriated in the fiscal year '06 budget and additional funding will be necessary for the design and construction phases.

The cemetery is anticipated to open for burials between late 2008 and mid-2009.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA Cemetary Administration Website or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.