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

King and Queen County is making waves with a new plan to tackle flooding and create jobs. The idea? A business park near the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. This park would be a hub for companies focused on fighting flooding. It's not just about local issues, though. The goal is to make the Middle Peninsula a global leader in flood solutions. Virginia Delegate Keith Hodges shared this vision with the West Point Town Council. He's working on a proposal for the General Assembly. Over 40 companies are interested in setting up shop in Virginia, with many eyeing King and Queen County. The park would be a place for research, collaboration, and innovation. It's not just talk, either. Hodges has already submitted a bill for funding.The plan includes a Coastal Resiliency Business Center. This center would focus on research, development, and commercialization efforts to address coastal resiliency challenges. It's not just about solving problems. The center would also create jobs and boost the local economy. The bill asks for $250, 000 in the first year and a similar amount in the second year. This funding would support preliminary engineering for the design of the center. One company interested in the park has a unique idea. They want to use dredge spoils to create materials for living shorelines. This is innovative stuff. It's about bringing together scientists, contractors, engineers, and the building industry. It's a cluster of talent and resources that no one else has put together before. This plan is ambitious. It's about more than just fighting flooding. It's about creating a sustainable future. It's about making King and Queen County a leader in coastal resiliency. It's about jobs and economic growth. It's about innovation and collaboration. It's about making a difference, not just in Virginia, but around the world.