The Associated Press
Monday, January 8, 2007; 2:56 PM

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has announced that nine grants totaling $12.5 million have been awarded to localities being impacted by the federal Base Realignment and Closure decisions made in 2005.

Local programs being funded will address several areas, including encroachment at or near military installations; transportation projects aimed at easing traffic congestion around bases; and establishing transition centers to help displaced workers and businesses.

The funding was approved last year by the General Assembly and will be administered by the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority.

The biggest chunk of money -- 7.5 million dollars -- goes to Virginia Beach for its efforts to keep Oceana Naval Air Station.

Other localities getting funding are the cities of Arlington, Alexandria and Hampton; Fairfax and Prince George counties; the Crater District Planning Commission; and the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.