Henrico Times

Norfolk, VA – Yesterday, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was joined by Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, and U.S. Navy officials for a roundtable discussion focused on continued revitalization efforts in Hampton Roads. Congressman Wittman released the following statement at the conclusion of the roundtable.

“Each of the stakeholders participating in this Roundtable have a crucial part to play in revitalizing and strengthening the cities of Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the broader Hampton Roads community. This part of Virginia is home to the world’s largest naval station in Naval Station Norfolk; provides the backbone of our naval superiority by supporting the construction of Columbia-class submarines, Virginia-class submarines, and Ford-class aircraft carriers; and generates economic growth for the overall Commonwealth each year.

“As the Navy strategizes its future investments in the Hampton Roads region, this roundtable was an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to ensure a unified investment plan. Recognizing Hampton Roads' pivotal role in naval operations and shipbuilding, the objective is to align economic and infrastructure development initiatives from Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and neighboring areas with the Navy's anticipated investment strategies. This alignment is crucial to maximize the region's strategic importance and foster sustainable growth beneficial to both the military and our local communities.”

“Most importantly, this roundtable was about prioritizing quality of life improvements for sailors and the men and women who support our nation’s shipbuilding enterprise. If we’re going to recruit and retain the best in our Navy, we have to take care of them.”

Background:

Municipal: In March 2024, the City of Newport News released its City Manager Recommended FY 2025 – FY 2029 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).

Commonwealth: Also in March 2024, state lawmakers approved a budget that includes $40 million in Newport News, with funds intended to support Navy housing and strengthen downtown revitalization efforts. As noted in reporting on the state budget, “[the] city, Newport News Shipbuilding, and the Navy play a critical role in addressing the need for additional services, housing, transportation, and other amenities, all benefitting talent recruitment and retention efforts by the Shipyard, Navy, and other downtown businesses.”

US Navy: Earlier in June 2024, the Navy announced a plan to construct a new parking garage for thousands of sailors and shipyard workers in the region. Construction is planned to begin later this year with completion expected by April 2026. The contract for the multi-story garage is valued at $120 million.

Congress: Earlier this year, Congress approved a vast submarine industrial base supplemental spending appropriation as part of a series of overall national security supplemental spending bills. Virginia delegation members are similarly working right now to deliver additional investments in the submarine industrial base and aircraft carriers in the FY25 defense bills.

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