Port Partnerships: Virginia
Port of Virginia Awards $1 Million in Support of Regional Waterfront Projects
The Port of Virginia will allocate $1 million in grant awards to eight Virginia localities to upgrade their local ports and waterfront parks, repair and maintain local maritime assets and spur waterfront development.
Localities throughout the Commonwealth can apply for funding through The Port of Virginia’s Aid to Local Ports Program.
Awards are based on need and urgency, total cost of the project, the timeline and proposed phases and the forecasted impact on the community. The funds are primarily directed toward non-cargo-related operations: marinas and commercial fishing or cruise ports. Through the Aid to Local Ports program. Major objectives are to generate revenue and jobs. Grants since 1986 have totaled $21 million.
This year’s grants:
• City of Hampton: $50,000 for downtown commercial fishing pier improvements.
• City of Newport News: $404,627 for outer harbor repairs and modifications to the seafood industrial park.
• City of Norfolk: $82,500 for an ADA-accessible kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch area at Plum Point Park.
• City of Poquoson: $202,125 for construction of a second breakwater at Messick Point.
• City of Richmond: $81,848 for development of the Intermediate Terminal project.
• City of Portsmouth: $109,650 for development of Portside and $25,000 for Paradise Creek Nature Park.
• Town of Wachapreage: $38,000 for maintenance and repair at the Town Marina.
• Northampton County: $26,250 for repairs to Morley’s Wharf boat ramp.
"The state’s maritime community stretches well-beyond the Norfolk Harbor and it is important to recognize that and support that segment of the maritime industry," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "There are projects located throughout the Commonwealth that generate jobs, tax revenue and create regional economic benefits. This program helps to support those efforts."