Volume 87 No. 3
May 2023
“The Voice of Port Industries” @VAmaritime
CHESAPEAKE WORKING ON NEW VISION FOR INDUSTRIAL WATERFRONT CHESAPEAKE |Chesapeake’s waterfront along the Elizabeth River’s Southern Branch has been a hub for industry for many years, hosting companies like VMA members, Perdue, Kinder Morgan, Enviva, and many others. While other cities across the country are grappling with the challenge of redeveloping aging industrial areas, Chesapeake officials have a different vision for their waterfront. They aim to maintain the area’s industrial character while incorporating measures to address sea-level rise threats and stimulate future economic development.
The city’s project, known as the Industrial Waterfront Study, is currently underway and involves a 16-month process that includes gathering public input. The goal is to strike a balance between various demands, such as industrial, residential, commercial, and recreational uses along the waterfront. City officials emphasize the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to ensure the area’s sustainable growth. The VMA has been working for
A view towards the Chesapeake waterfront near the Jordan Bridge, along the Elizabeth River’s Southern Branch. (Image: Katherine Hafner)
almost a year to assist the City of Chesapeake with the study. Last summer, the VMA was invited to participate and advise the city and help key staff better understand the industrial waterfront within Continue Reading on Page 4
VIRGINIA’S AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY EXPORTS SET RECORD AT $5.1 BILLION RICHMOND |On April 11, 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the latest data for Virginia’s agricultural and forestry exports at the Virginia Inland Port facility in Richmond. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia’s 2022 agricultural and forestry exports were valued at more than $5.1 billion, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by 25%.
Virginia’s top agricultural and forestry exports for 2022 were soybeans, animal products, tobacco, wood products, and beer. Soybeans alone earned over $2.3 billion, while wood products earned more than $509 million. One of the most significant increases of 2022 was in wood pellets, which saw a 1,379% increase versus the yearly average, likely due to increased demand in Europe and Asia.
The Governor expressed his excitement about the data and praised the strength of Virginia’s first and third-largest private industries. He also highlighted the successful relationships established between Virginia’s producers and international buyers, stating that “these export numbers speak to the high quality and value of Virginia products.”
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr, also praised Virginia’s premier transportation system, which he believes gives the state a strategic advantage in exporting products to international markets. “Virginia producers benefit from the Commonwealth’s premier transportation system, which is anchored by the Port of Virginia,” said Lohr. Continue Reading on Page 4
INSIDE THIS EDITION
h MLCP 2023 Graduating Class (3)
h Port Statistics (5)
h Upcoming VMA Events (2)
h ODU Proposed Lab School (4)
h Association in Action (6)
h HRSA Announces New President (3)
h VMA23 Registration Open (5)
h Demolition at Lambert’s Point (6)
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