The Wallops Island Research Park will support education, research and economic development along the Eastern Shore. Existing educational institutions including the Marine Science Consortium and the Virginia Space Flight Academy will be incorporated into the park, which will leverage government and academic investments and expertise in the area to establish new resources, services and collaborations focused on commercial aerospace, applied earth science, and educational offerings.
The governor's $1.6 million budget amendment for the Eastern Shore's broadband initiative will be included in his 2007 budget proposal, scheduled to be released today. This appropriation will be in addition to $1.4 million allocated through the 2006 General Assembly. The funds will provide additional support for the extension of broadband on the Eastern Shore.
"These two major funding announcements will serve as building blocks for a new high technology research park on Wallops Island, creating an economic development engine for the entire Eastern Shore," said Kaine. "Providing access to reliable, high-speed broadband is an essential public investment, attracting high-tech industries and strengthening economic development."
"The research park will benefit ... the entire commonwealth," said Delegate Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr. "The governor's commitment to move forward with the broadband project provides crucial economic development infrastructure for the Eastern Shore."
