King and Queen County's Plan to Fight Flooding and Boost Jobs

A New Business Park Near the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport

King and Queen County is making waves with a groundbreaking plan to combat flooding and generate employment opportunities. The proposal? A business park adjacent to the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. This park aims to be a global hub for companies dedicated to flood mitigation solutions.

Vision and Collaboration

Virginia Delegate Keith Hodges presented this vision to the West Point Town Council. He is currently working on a proposal for the General Assembly. Over 40 companies have expressed interest in establishing operations in Virginia, with many targeting King and Queen County. The park would serve as a center for research, collaboration, and innovation.

Funding and Implementation

Hodges has already submitted a bill seeking funding. The plan includes the Coastal Resiliency Business Center, which would focus on research, development, and commercialization efforts to address coastal resiliency challenges. The center aims to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The bill requests $250,000 in the first year and a similar amount in the second year to support preliminary engineering for the center's design.

Innovative Solutions

One company interested in the park has a unique proposal: using dredge spoils to create materials for living shorelines. This innovative approach brings together scientists, contractors, engineers, and the building industry, forming a cluster of talent and resources unparalleled elsewhere.

A Sustainable Future

This ambitious plan is about more than just fighting flooding. It's about creating a sustainable future, positioning King and Queen County as a leader in coastal resiliency. It's about jobs, economic growth, innovation, and collaboration. It's about making a global impact.