RICHMOND — Virginia legislators approved a nearly $1.5 billion bond package Wednesday to finance higher education, state parks and mental health facilities with public borrowing.
A team of lawmakers had met weekly since the legislature adjourned six weeks ago to negotiate the list of 75 construction projects. The package passed unanimously out of both houses during a special session that began immediately following the adjournment of a one-day reconvened session to consider the governor’s amendments and vetoes.
The legislation passed with an emergency clause, which means construction can begin as soon as Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signs it.
Legislators earmarked $110 million to replace Western State Hospital, a state psychiatric facility. Another $82 million was allotted for mental health facilities, as legislators focused their attention on the state’s mental health infrastructure in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech mass shootings by a mentally disturbed student last April.
The bond package also provides more than $71 million to consolidate the state’s two schools for the deaf, blind and multi-disabled into one facility in Staunton that can accommodate 200 students.
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