WILDERSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Construction has begun on a new Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

The 132-acre cemetery will be in Wildersville, Tennessee, which is about 30 east of Jackson, and will serve 17 surrounding counties that currently have 45,000 veterans.

“In Tennessee, over 10 percent of our adult residents are veterans,” explained Gov. Bill Haslam. “So we want to do everything we can to pay tribute to them and also so when they do pass, it’s convenient for their loved ones to visit. That’s why we have tried to increase the number of veteran cemeteries throughout the state.”

The state received a $5 million grant for construction of the new cemetery.

It is expected to be complete in 2018.