*RICHMOND—*One year after Amazon announced plans to establish its second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth is moving forward with long-term investments that include generating 31,000 new computer science graduates and replacing the capital region’s worst traffic chokepoint, Governor Ralph Northam said today. Governor Northam made the comments while celebrating the one-year anniversary of Amazon HQ2 and the progress made on the project over the last 12 months by the Commonwealth, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria. On November 13, 2018, Governor Northam announced
that Amazon would invest approximately $2.5 billion to establish a major new headquarters in Virginia, creating more than 25,000 high-paying jobs over 12 years. “Virginia is investing proactively in our future, as the Amazon competition inspired us to do,” *said Governor Northam*. “Since the company’s announcement last year, we have been focused on making sure that every part of the Commonwealth benefits from their decision to make Northern Virginia their new home. Our plan includes investing in education, transportation infrastructure, and affordable housing. The investments spurred by the Amazon project will strengthen Virginia’s workforce and diversify our economic growth for decades to come.” The headquarters will be housed in a collection of new and renovated buildings located in National Landing, which includes portions of Pentagon City and Crystal City in Arlington County, and Potomac Yard in the City of Alexandria. Virginia successfully secured the project through an unprecedented state, local, regional, and private partnership after a 14-month competitive site selection process during which Amazon received 238 proposals from communities across North America. JBG SMITH was chosen as Amazon’s partner to house and develop its HQ2 locations. “The team spirit and commitment that helped secure Amazon’s second headquarters for Virginia endures as the project advances into the next phase,” *said** Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball*. “The cornerstones of Virginia’s proposal will enhance the infrastructure, tech talent, and higher education assets across the Commonwealth, and we are confident in the far-reaching benefits of Amazon HQ2 for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.” One year later, the Commonwealth is highlighting several project milestones:
By:The State Of Virginia
