The Alaska Veterans Memorial Museum got a boost from the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation and Sen. Lisa Murkowski Friday.

Murkowski presented $10,000 to the group, which plans to build the museum in Eagle River.

The donation was made Friday at the Veterans Wall of Honor in Wasilla and was accompanied by a $5,000 to the War Dog Memorial scheduled to be built near the wall.

Murkowski said she was proud to be involved in fundraising for the projects.

"Both the museum and the War Dog Memorial are going to be wonderful reminders of the sacrifices that Alaskans in the military have made for the security of this nation," said Murkowski, who also spoke at a veterans luncheon Tuesday at the VFW in Eagle River.

The museum is expected to house the stories of Alaskans in the military. An initial fundraiser last year brought in about $7,000 to pay for equipment to start cataloging stories from veterans.

Approximately $6 million will be needed for land acquisition and construction for the museum. There has not be a target date set for the museum to open, but fundraising efforts are ongoing.

Representatives from Princess Cruises and the Northwest Alaska Cruise Association presented the checks with Murkowski. Murkowski helped solicit the donations from the cruise association.

House Speaker Pete Kott, R-Eagle River, helped to get the project off the ground.

Reach the reporter at gdart@alaskastar.com