House Bill 366 Seeks to Prioritize Infrastructure Grants for Virginia’s Military Communities, Stalls in Appropriations Committee

RICHMOND — A bill introduced by Delegate Anne Tata to strengthen support for Virginia’s military installations through targeted infrastructure grants has been halted in committee during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly.

House Bill 366, titled ‘Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund; award guidelines,’ proposes a straightforward amendment to Section 2.2-233.1 of the Code of Virginia. The measure directs the Governor to prioritize awarding grants from the Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Fund to projects that improve infrastructure in localities that host military installations or are proximate to such installations.

The Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund is a special nonreverting fund established in the state treasury. It receives general fund appropriations, all gifts, devises, grants, fees, rents, interest, and other moneys dedicated to the purposes of improving public infrastructure facilities that support military installations in the Commonwealth. Eligible projects include enhancements to water, sewer, road, and rail systems, as well as other facilities that have a direct or substantial impact on military missions.

Grants under the program are awarded by the Department of Military Affairs, subject to approval by the Governor, to localities for projects that bolster the sustainability and readiness of Virginia’s military bases. Virginia, home to numerous key defense installations including naval stations, air stations, and Army posts, relies on this program to address infrastructure needs that arise from the presence of these vital national security assets.

Delegate Anne Tata, a Republican representing the 99th District in Virginia Beach—a locality with significant military infrastructure such as Naval Air Station Oceana and other defense facilities—serves as the chief patron of HB 366. The bill reflects a practical approach to ensuring that state resources are directed efficiently toward communities most essential to military operations and personnel support.

The legislation followed the standard prefiling and introduction process for the session. It was presented to the House of Delegates and promptly referred to the Committee on Appropriations. On January 17, 2026, HB 366 was assigned to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. The subcommittee considered the bill on February 4, 2026, and voted 5-2 to recommend laying it on the table. Following this action, the full Appropriations Committee left the bill in committee on February 18, 2026, preventing it from advancing to a floor vote.

This outcome means HB 366 will not proceed further in the 2026 session unless reconsidered, underscoring the rigorous scrutiny applied to measures involving state fund allocations. The program’s existing framework already emphasizes military support, but HB 366 sought to codify a clear prioritization mechanism to guide future grant awards more effectively.

Virginia’s commitment to its military communities remains a priority, as evidenced by the ongoing administration of the fund. In recent years, grants have funded critical upgrades that enhance base operations and quality of life for service members and their families. By focusing on host and proximate localities, the proposed change would streamline decision-making and maximize the impact of these investments.

Delegate Tata’s sponsorship highlights the House Republican delegation’s focus on bolstering defense-related initiatives. Virginia Beach, in particular, stands to benefit from such measures given its central role in naval aviation and fleet support. The bill’s text is concise, amending only the guidelines section to insert the prioritization language without expanding the fund or creating new expenditures.

As the General Assembly continues its work, the tabling of HB 366 represents a missed opportunity to refine an important tool for military infrastructure development. Lawmakers and stakeholders will watch for potential carryover or reintroduction in future sessions to advance these guidelines.

The full bill text states: ‘A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-233.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund; award guidelines.’ This targeted reform aims to ensure that Virginia’s strategic investments align closely with its military imperatives.

With the session ongoing as of late February 2026, other transportation and appropriations bills continue to move through committees, but HB 366’s path has ended for now in the Appropriations Committee.