Va. to get $2.8 million spent on inauguration

Virginia is getting back from the federal government about half the $5.7 million it spent buttressing security at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced yesterday that the state will receive $2.8 million to offset expenses by 51 state and local agencies for the swearing-in of the nation's first African-American president.

"President Obama's inauguration was an event of historic significance, and I am proud that many members of our state and local agencies worked so well together to ensure a safe and memorable inauguration," Kaine said in a written statement.

Kaine spokesman Gordon Hickey said last night that Virginia is only receiving $2.8 million because federal rules limit what the state can recover: "We were reimbursed for everything that we applied for."

Kaine, an early ally of Obama, was selected by the president as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Kaine also was considered as Obama's vice-presidential running mate.

-- Olympia Meola and Jeff E. Schapiro