$1 Million Federal Investment Secured to Improve Cemetery Roads and Veterans Memorial Access in Coachella

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPCD) has secured $1 million in federal funding to rehabilitate aging roadways throughout the cemetery grounds and around the Veterans Memorial, improving safety and accessibility for the thousands of visitors who come each year to honor loved ones and military service members.

The funding was requested through Community Project Funding by Congressman Raul Ruiz and included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The investment will help address long-standing infrastructure needs by repairing approximately one mile of internal cemetery roads that have deteriorated over decades due to weather exposure and regular use.

“I’m proud to bring these resources home,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. “I’ll keep fighting for investments that make life more affordable for working people.”

The overall roadway rehabilitation project is expected to cost about $1.4 million, with federal funds covering roughly 70 percent of the total cost. The improvements will restore key roadway segments throughout the cemetery, including areas surrounding the Veterans Memorial, helping ensure safer and smoother access for visitors.

CVPCD serves families from Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and other communities throughout the eastern Coachella Valley. The cemetery and memorial site welcome thousands of visitors annually, including veterans’ families who gather to commemorate military service and sacrifice.

“The Board of Trustees appreciates Congressman Raul Ruiz’s support in securing this federal investment,” said CVPCD Board Chair Ernesto Rosales. “These federal resources reflect a sustained effort by CVPCD to address long-standing infrastructure needs in a responsible way. These resources allow us to make critical improvements while helping keep costs down for the families we serve.”

Although Congress has appropriated the funds, district officials will work with federal partners in the coming months to finalize the funding agreement and begin detailed planning for the project.

CVPCD General Manager Joshua Bonner said the improvements are about more than repairing roads.

“This road repair effort is about more than infrastructure; it is about the experience families have when they come to honor their loved ones,” Bonner said. “We believe our community deserves a beautiful, well-maintained cemetery and Veterans Memorial, and we are grateful for Congressman Raul Ruiz’s continued support in helping move this project forward.”

If finalized on schedule, construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027. District officials say they will provide updates to the community as planning progresses.

Residents can find additional information about the project and future updates by visiting the district’s website.