(The Center Square) – The House-passed defense bill includes nearly $27 million for military projects in Hampton Roads, targeting upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story.
Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., announced the funding that is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House this week. The legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members, more than $1.4 billion for barracks and family housing construction, and billions for shipbuilding.
It also sets aside $27 million for Virginia-specific projects.
That includes $15 million for power upgrades on Pier 14 at Naval Station Norfolk, a project documents describe as a top priority. The work is needed to ensure the base can reliably support Navy ships.
Without it, Norfolk would lack backup capacity to dock Ford-class aircraft carriers at a second pier and would still depend on failing electrical systems that also serve Nimitz-class carriers and Virginia- and Los Angeles-class submarines.
Another $12 million is set to go toward building a new expeditionary mine countermeasures facility at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story in Virginia Beach.
The facility will provide space for operations, maintenance, planning and storage for Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWELVE and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO.
Without it, documents claim the units would remain in deteriorating facilities operating at less than half capacity, creating delays and workarounds that weaken training, sustainment and mission response.
Kiggans, a Navy veteran representing Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, said the investments strengthen Hampton Roads’ role as the hub of U.S. naval readiness.
“This year’s NDAA delivers for Hampton Roads by strengthening naval aviation and shipbuilding, protecting access to quality health care for military children, and ensuring the quality of life of our troops and families,” she said in a statement.
The broader bill authorizes more than $22 billion in shipbuilding, including a Columbia-class submarine, a Virginia-class submarine and a Ford-class carrier. The bill also creates a commission on America’s maritime industrial base to address long-term shipyard needs.
The measure now heads to conference with the Senate.
