VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The 5/31 Virginia Beach Mass Shooting Memorial is now estimated to run the city more than $12 million.

In a 5/31 Committee meeting Thursday, construction officials told the group, even with design cuts, they are still falling short by $4.3 million.

Liaison and city councilman Michael Berlucchi was in the meeting and said it’s critically important they make those resources available.

“That’s the result of a variety of factors, including, and especially, the rising cost of construction of materials, the rising costs of labor, the inflation, very pressures that exist in our economy,” Berlucchi said.

It’s been five years and four months since Hampton Roads was swept away by an unexpected wave of grief — and there’s still no place for the community to come together to honor the 12 people who were killed in the 2019 mass shooting.

“Although the speed is one that has frustrated some, it’s also important that we get it right,” Berlucchi said. “And I believe that we have we have.”

Now, the Virginia Beach City Council has to vote on appropriating those additional funds, which is scheduled for Oct. 15.

In the meeting, City Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten said she doesn’t see it facing any opposition.

“The fact that you see it’s coming up on our agenda so quickly shows you and demonstrates our willingness to support this effort,” Wooten said.

10 On Your Side asked Berlucchi where the additional funds would come from, and if it would be pulled from a different project. He said it’s too soon to tell, but the money would be taken out of the 2024 general fund.

“I feel a sense of encouragement,” Berlucchi said. “I feel a little bit of the spirit of VB Strong that we all experienced in the days and weeks and months following the 5/31 tragedy, and serving as the liaison to the 5/31 Memorial Committee has been one of the greatest responsibilities, and also honor and privilege, of my of my professional lifetime.”

If the project continues to clear the hurdles ahead, the memorial is scheduled to be open in time for May 31, 2026.