Prince George County passed a resolution in November recognizing VNDIA for its efforts in administering a $1 million state grant to assist in the construction of the recently opened North Elementary School. Nearly 30 percent of the county's school children come from Fort Lee, and the post will double in size by 2011.

The Virginia Beach City Council has passed a resolution to ask the 2010 Virginia General Assembly to increase funding for VNDIA, recognizing the importance of the authority in protecting the significant contributions made by the Defense Department in Virginia.

Gov. Kaine joined other state and federal officials in breaking ground for a new headquarters for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington County.

VNDIA is administering a $10 million state grant to assist in ensuring the new complex meets federal anti-terrorism/force protection requirments.

The following presentations are from the VNDIA panel on Military Base Encroachment at the 2009 Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference in Roanoke (October 18-20).

More than 20 military installations across the Commonwealth were eligible for the award, and Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Pickett and the Defense Supply Center Richmond were the first three winners.

"These award-winning military installations have shown remarkable stewardship of the natural resources entrusted to their care," said Gov. Kaine. "I am confident this partnership between the Department of Defense and the Commonwealth will continue to bring environmental benefits to Virginia for years to come."

Governor Kaine has declared 2009 to be the Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard

The governor's proclamation was made in recognition of the Army's year-long celebration of the non-commissioned officer and expanded upon to highlight the representation of all uniformed services in the Commonwealth.

During VNDIA's July meeting at Virginia State University, board member Maj. Gen. Robert Newman, Adjutant General for the Commonwealth, presented the proclamation on behalf of Gov. Kaine to Command Sgt. Major Carl Holcomb, the senior non-commissioned officer in the Virginia National Guard, and also to non-commissioned officers representing each of the five branches.

A presentation copy of the resolution has been mailed to the commander of each installation in the Commonwealth.

GOVERNOR KAINE DESIGNATES MAY AS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

**Click here for a printable copy of the governor's recognition certificate.