U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $640,994 to Grow Seafood Industrial Park in Newport News
By: City of Newport News
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $640,994 grant to the City of Newport News to support design work for development of a seafood market, as well as dock improvements and dredging design at the head of the Seafood Industrial Park (SIP). The U.S. Department of Commerce’s EDA investment will be matched with $200,000 in local funds.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating new opportunities for businesses and workers in communities across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide for improvements that will make the Newport News Seafood Industrial Park more easily accessible, creating business opportunities, and supporting food-based entrepreneurship in this historically underserved community.”
The Newport News Seafood Industrial Park is one of the nation’s premier seafood harbors and an important part of the city’s economy. The SIP is owned by the City of Newport News and is home to a number of seafood and other water-dependent companies. It provides full-service accommodations to the seafood industry and, in the past decade, has averaged in the top 10 nationally for value of seafood landed.
“We are grateful that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is investing in this important part of Newport News and supporting our thriving seafood industry,” said Newport News Mayor Phillip D. Jones. “Seafood Industrial Park is prime waterfront property that comprises 39 acres in the Southeast Community of Newport News, including navigable water. This grant contributes greatly to our efforts to make critical improvements to the park that enhance its viability and competitiveness in the market. It also lays the foundation for future growth, including a seafood market that will make the products landed at SIP more accessible to the community, while also supporting food entrepreneurship opportunities.”
“Virginia is one of the largest seafood producing states in the nation, a critical asset to our growing reputation as the most attractive place to locate and grow a business. Virginians depend on our thriving seafood industry because it helps support our local economies,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I’m pleased that this grant will enable the Newport News Seafood Industrial Park to make structural updates to their accommodations, enhancing the support it provides the seafood industry.”