NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The state budget passed by the Virginia General Assembly last week includes a big investment in housing for sailors in Newport News.
In a news release sent on Monday, the City of Newport News outlined how $40 million allocated from the budget will be used in partnership by the city, Newport News Shipbuilding and the Navy in a revitalization effort.
The goal is to create affordable Navy housing near downtown to cut the commute time for Sailors who work at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Mayor Phillip Jones said this funding could go a long way to improve Sailors’ quality of life.
"I don’t like to drive an hour to work. So, to have that 5- to 10-minute commute, especially when they’re working hard conditions in the shipyard," Mayor Jones told 13News Now.
The topic hits close to the mayor and Marine Corps veteran.
"I’ve lost friends to suicide, unfortunately," Mayor Jones said. "I think this is one step in a very large problem. I think when you look at the foundation, one of the most important things you can do is to have safe and secure housing that’s close to your work.”
The release states that Virginia Del. Marcia Price and Sen. Mamie Locke were instrumental in securing the funding, which the city described as one of the most significant financial commitments to Newport News in recent history.
"Downtown Newport News doesn’t have adequate or supportive housing for these Sailors. They have to go elsewhere to live. So, that’s why we’re doing this investment for this housing," Sen. Locke said.
The budget still needs Gov. Glenn Youngkin's signature. Gov. Youngkin's office sent the following statement to 13News Now:
"The Governor is closely reviewing the legislation and spending proposals sent to his desk, he is dedicated to ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to military service, and safeguard the freedoms our country cherishes, receive the support they deserve."
The proposed investment comes amid quality-of-life issues among Sailors at Newport News Shipbuilding. Several Sailors from the USS George Washington died by suicide while the aircraft carrier was docked at the shipyard for years-long maintenance work.
A 200-page document from U.S. Fleet Forces Command released in May 2023 said infrastructure at the shipyard is "insufficient." The report said, "This directly contributed to poor sailor quality of service and morale."
The allocated investment is one of many changes to address quality-of-life issues, including routine appointments available to sailors, fewer sailors per room, improved reliability of HVAC systems and more.
A spokesperson for HII Newport News Shipbuilding sent 13News Now the following statement regarding the funding:
“HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division is actively engaged with the Navy, Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Newport News to enhance the lives of shipbuilders and Navy sailors, at the shipyard and in the community. We are grateful for the support of the General Assembly and we remain committed to the open dialogue and partnership that has advanced these initiatives and those that are still to come.”