Gov. pledges $7.5 million to Oceana

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Gov. Bob McDonnel has pledged $7.5 million in funding to the Oceana Partnership for fiscal year 2014.

According to the governor's office, the city and the state have each contributed $7.5 million to the partnership since 2007 to aid in the purchase and upkeep of homes, businesses and other properties near the base.

“The $7.5 million in funding for the Oceana Partnership is a continuation of sound policy ensuring that the area around Naval Air Station Oceana is safe, the military training mission is enhanced and the economic and cultural benefits of the base remain in the Commonwealth for years to come,” said Governor McDonnell.

The cit and the state have so far bought nearly 2,000 acres around the base and have eliminated more than 50 incompatible businesses and 550 homes near Oceana.

The $15 million per year funding has significantly reduced incompatible developments around the base and "rolled back exisiting development encroaching upon installation," according to McDonnell's office.