A. Funds in this Item are provided for upgrades, renovations, and repairs to facilities operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The department shall prioritize projects within this funding to maximize the security and safety of facility residents, patients, and staff.

B. The Director, Department of Planning and Budget, may transfer funds from this Item to previously funded projects related to the maintenance and improvement of facilities operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, including security upgrades and life safety projects, that are currently managed by the Department of General Services or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, as appropriate for the purposes of efficiency in contracting and project management.

C.1. Out of the amounts provided in this item, $32,300,000 the first year from the general fund is provided to support the following projects to renovate, repair, and/or upgrade facilities, in amounts estimated as follows:

a. $18,200,000 for an HVAC replacement at Catawba Hospital;

b. $10,100,000 to address security, access control, and window replacement at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute; and

c. $3,000,000 to convert 10 existing beds at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center to accommodate a skilled nursing level of care. Agencies responsible for the review and approval of funds, design plans, and procurement documents related to this project shall expedite their work to the extent feasible.

2. The Director, Department of Planning and Budget, is authorized to reallocate funding among projects authorized in paragraph C.1. as needed to accommodate actual costs, or to reflect any federal funds that may be provided to supplant state support.

D. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) shall form a workgroup to review and recommend placement for a replacement Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute. The workgroup shall include representatives from the Department of General Services, public stakeholders, and other partners as necessary to make the best determination of appropriate location of a future facility.  As needed, DBHDS may use funds appropriated to this item to support research or contractual costs associated with this workgroup.  The Department shall report findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the Committees of House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations, as well as to the Committees of House Health and Human Services and Senate Education and Health, no later than November 1, 2025.