BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Construction of the $7 million Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort is in final phases and may open as soon as this fall, according to county officials.

Baldwin County Commissioner Frank Burt, who toured the facility Wednesday with North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce officials, said the facility still needs sod and landscaping, structure exteriors are being fine-tuned and interior decor placement is needed.

“I expect the cemetery may open this fall, but state Veterans Administration officials will make the call,” Burt said.

The U.S.Veterans Administration approved a $7 million grant to construct a veterans cemetery culminating a six-year effort by county and state leaders.to secure a final resting place for veterans and their families.

Plans call for cemetery space to be opened incrementally as the need arises.

The cemetery is large enough to accommodate thousands of veterans and their families for decades, according to Spanish Fort dentist Barry Booth, who has been one of the project’s biggest supporters.

The Baldwin County Commission’s effort to create the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery garnered one of three statewide awards presented by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

The facility is on State Road 225, adjacent to Historic Blakeley Park, about 3 miles north of Spanish Fort.