RICHMOND (AP) -- A new state panel is now in charge of Fort Monroe's shift from a military outpost on the Chesapeake Bay to a Virginia possession requiring up to $80 million in repairs.
The state is scheduled to take over the historic Hampton military outpost on September 14, 2011. The 11-member Fort Monroe Authority is charged with overseeing its maintenance, preservation and rebirth "as a vibrant and thriving community."
On Thursday, the state entity took the reins from the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority. The quasi-public agency has been involved for several years in the planning of the military's departure from Fort Monroe and the state's takeover.
The new panel includes legislators and members of Gov. Bob McDonnell's cabinet.
The Fort Monroe Authority will hold a board meeting on July 22 at the Bay Breeze Community Center on Fewick Road on Fort Monroe.
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