The fund is in need of a new source of support, as it previously received money from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. In addition to the money for Norfolk, the governor’s proposal also included $100 million for the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, which awards grants to help communities prepare for flooding and climate change. “We look forward to working with the General Assembly in 2024 to strengthen our Commonwealth’s resiliency moving forward.” “We recognize the challenges of living alongside these waters, yet we are proactively stepping up to face those challenges head on,” Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said in a statement. The governor’s proposal is just a starting point for state budget negotiations and would need approval from the General Assembly. He declined a request for comment Friday. Knight, a Republican from Virginia Beach, chairs the House Appropriations Committee. Barry Knight reportedly said he would not back state funding for Norfolk’s flood project because the city had not moved fast enough with the casino, according to previous reports from the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. E-Pilot Evening Edition Home Page Close MenuĪt least one state legislator has previously linked the project’s state funding to the casino.ĭuring a meeting of the Downtown Republican Club last spring, Del.
