ATLANTA () – A delegation from Augusta spent time under the gold dome to honor and recognize the state’s veterans on Wednesday.

Commissioners say there’s also a $15 million follow up request from state lawmakers for the veterans cemetery to be built in Augusta, since the nearest ones are Milledgeville and Columbia, South Carolina.

The state cemetery, if approved, would be the largest at two hundred acres near Gracewood.

Another goal is to secure funds to help families and businesses reeling from Hurricane Helene relief, including clearing trees and having resources for the CSRA through fund grants.

They also advocated for state benefits for veterans given the recent changes at the federal level to ensure veterans are not losing benefits.

“The biggest thing is that the veterans benefits that they have earned is secure. The last thing we want is anyone that these folks, and families rely upon and they need but more importantly that they’ve earned,” said Augusta Commissioner, Don Clark.

Augusta has around 66,000 veterans and that does not include active duty military.

Next week on Wednesday, several groups from the CSRA including commissioners, lawmakers, and the chamber of commerce will head to Atlanta for Augusta Day where they’ll pitch and present ideas to state lawmakers.