EXETER, R.I. (WPRI) — The state of Rhode Island has been awarded more than $3.8 million to expand the R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Tuesday.

The cemetery serves more than 56,000 veterans and their families.

The VA said the grant money will be used to add another 2,100 columbarium niches, which hold veterans' urns, medals and other mementos. It will also fund landscaping and irrigation work.

"This expansion reaffirms VA’s partnership with Rhode Island, and we are proud to assist this cemetery to allow it to continue to serve Veterans and their eligible family members," acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ron Walters said in a press release.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced the funding earlier this year. While the initial grant proposal was for $5 million, the VA said $3.8 million was awarded once the bid for the project was accepted.