58 Acres Earmarked for Dayton National Cemetery Expansion: Bill Authorizes Free Land Transfer

The Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025 lays the groundwork for increasing burial space for veterans in Ohio. This straightforward bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept a donation of approximately 58 acres of land located adjacent to the current Dayton National Cemetery. The land comes courtesy of the Montgomery County Land Bank, which will offer it to the VA at no cost.

The Fine Print: How the Land Swap Works

Here’s the process outlined in the bill: Once the Montgomery County Land Bank formally offers the land parcel – specifically defined as the area bordered by McCall St., South Gettysburg Avenue, Resaca Avenue, and US Route 35 – the VA has 30 days to kick off the acceptance process. The entire transfer must be wrapped up within three years of the initial offer. The bill is clear that this specific transfer is the focus; it doesn't obligate the VA Secretary to acquire other parcels or make deals with other entities.

More Room to Honor Service

So, what does this mean in practical terms? National cemeteries provide a dedicated final resting place for eligible veterans and their families, and space can become limited over time. This bill directly addresses that by enabling a significant expansion of the Dayton National Cemetery using land offered freely by the local land bank. By setting clear timelines – 30 days to start, 3 years to finish – the legislation aims for an efficient transfer, ensuring the land can be developed for its intended purpose: serving veterans.