News
December 17, 2024

Virginia Governor Proposes $290 Million for School Construction

Caroline Raffetto

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is proposing an additional $290 million in his budget for school construction, aiming to address urgent infrastructure needs in the state's aging school buildings. The proposal would increase the total allocated for school construction over two years to $700 million.

According to a 2021 report from the state’s Commission on School Construction and Modernization, over half of Virginia’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Replacing or rebuilding all of them would require an estimated $25 billion in funding. Youngkin's proposal seeks to expand competitive grant opportunities for high-need school systems to help address these pressing needs.

The governor’s proposal follows a veto earlier this year of legislation that would have allowed localities to impose a 1% sales tax for school modernization and construction projects. Meanwhile, Richmond schools report they need $43.7 million for immediate repairs due to deteriorating infrastructure.

News
December 17, 2024

Virginia Governor Proposes $290 Million for School Construction

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
Virginia

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is proposing an additional $290 million in his budget for school construction, aiming to address urgent infrastructure needs in the state's aging school buildings. The proposal would increase the total allocated for school construction over two years to $700 million.

According to a 2021 report from the state’s Commission on School Construction and Modernization, over half of Virginia’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Replacing or rebuilding all of them would require an estimated $25 billion in funding. Youngkin's proposal seeks to expand competitive grant opportunities for high-need school systems to help address these pressing needs.

The governor’s proposal follows a veto earlier this year of legislation that would have allowed localities to impose a 1% sales tax for school modernization and construction projects. Meanwhile, Richmond schools report they need $43.7 million for immediate repairs due to deteriorating infrastructure.