VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. _ City leaders in Virginia Beach have asked the state for $30 million to help fund building renovations after the May 31 mass shooting.
After 13 were shot dead, including the gunman, and four were injured in Building 2, city employees who used to work there were spread out in 28 different locations throughout Virginia Beach. The mayor's request _ for a $10 million grant and a $20 million no-interest loan _ could accelerate renovations to three city buildings and bring workers back to a few central locations.
"We're trying to get this done during the special session next week," Bob Matthias, an assistant to the city manager, said at a meeting Tuesday. "We're hoping that they'll get permission to open the budget up during the special session, something they really don't want to do."
The General Assembly will hold a special session starting July 9 to deal with gun legislation.
Virginia Beach's new construction needs carry a price tag of roughly $130 million, though much of that stems from an already-approved new City Hall. Renovations for Building 2, the current City Hall and police headquarters could cost roughly $83 million.
If approved for state funds, the city would save "well over" $7 million over the life of the no-interest loan, Matthias said.
Over the past month, he said, he's reached out to several representatives from both parties and some in the governor's Cabinet. So far, he's gotten a "very good" response from everyone he's talked to.
Part of the city's argument for funding is that Virginia Beach is at an economic disadvantage currently with crucial services spread out in so many different locations. This has slowed new projects, they say.
"Everybody has a good attitude about it, but a lot of people in the building industry are frustrated ... with the whole process with permits," said Vice Mayor Jim Wood.
A more complete infrastructure plan, and timeline for construction, has come into view, too. City Manager Dave Hansen previously said Building 2 should not be demolished, essentially ruling out the priciest option that would have taken the longest to complete.
On Tuesday night, Tom Nicholas, the public works facility engineer, recommended moving forward with a plan that involves building a new City Hall and renovating the three other buildings. More complete designs could be ready this spring, and the entire construction process could wrap up in 2023.
Under this plan, it's possible that police could be housed in a renovated Building 2. It would require $30 million in the next fiscal year and $43 million the following one.
Matthias said he's hopeful the General Assembly will take up the task of helping Virginia Beach.
"I feel fairly confident we're going to get a substantial amount of money," he said.
