Virginia Beach city leaders thanked Governor Bob McDonnell today for continuing to fund the city-state partnership that continues the response to encroachment and safety issues around Naval Air Station Oceana. McDonnell recently included $7.5 million in his FY14 budget amendments to help buy incompatible homes, businesses and properties around the master jet base.
“Seven years ago, we partnered with the commonwealth and promised to do whatever it takes to save Oceana,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. “We take this promise very seriously. We are grateful to Governor McDonnell, the General Assembly and Terrie Suit, the state Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, for maintaining this vital partnership. It means so much to our military men and women, to the City of Virginia Beach and the nation.”
Each year since 2007, the city and state have dedicated $7.5 million each – a total of $15 million annually – to buy properties around the master jet base from willing sellers. This prevents the development of new homes and businesses that are incompatible with the jet base’s mission, and rolls back existing incompatible developments. The city and state began this program in response to a 2005 recommendation from the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission to move the master jet base from Virginia Beach.
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