Scott Delivers $1M to City for Seafood Industrial Park

Thursday, October 10, 2024, Congressman Bobby Scott delivered a $1 million check in community project funding to the City of Newport News to improve the Seafood Industrial Park. Scott secured these funds in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2024. Specifically, this funding will be used to improve the harbor and docks to support the Seafood Industrial Park and surrounding businesses. 

The seafood market project started as a priority and goal coming out of the planning process for our Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). The goal is to make the seafood market more accessible to the fresh catch seafood being landed in the Seafood Industrial Park, and support food-based entrepreneurship. This project also includes a new dock system and dredging that will benefit and add capacity for our watermen and commercial fishermen. Other features include:

Seafood Market:

  • construction of a 7,600-square-foot market facility

  • public eating area, vendor stalls, retail seafood sales, a commercial kitchen, over 3,100 square feet of outdoor seating areas, and a boardwalk overlooking the harbor

  • cost estimate $9.1M

 Dock Improvements/Dredging:

  • dredging and new dock construction expanded to accommodate 10 to 12 boats.

  • a pier for recreational boats visiting the seafood market

  • new docks with concrete decking and pilings, man overboard ladders, throw rings, fire protection, electrical and water hookups, and improved pier lighting

  • cost estimate $6.8M

The Seafood Industrial Park is an important part of the Newport News economy, and this project will reinforce its value as a key economic asset, while also complementing and cementing the transformation occurring within the community, serving as a new attraction to the neighborhood and an amenity for residents.

The Fall 2019 cohort of the Neighborhood Leadership Series II (NLS II), as part of its class project, took a leadership role in researching and evaluating the market's feasibility and worked to define the concept for the market further. This work completed by the NLS II class is serving as a foundation for developing the operating plan and the design and function of the seafood market. For more information about the Neighborhood Leadership Series:

““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.””

Bookmark this page for updates, pictures of the journey, and insight into this project's history!