(July 7, 2016) Following favorable endorsements from Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the Delmarva gubernatorial trifecta in support of Wallops Island as the forward operating base for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft was joined by Delaware Gov. Jack Markell.
In addition, Maryland Congressman and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer voiced his support in favor of the program in a letter addressed to both the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson.
State Sen. Jim Mathias said he organized the support following a meeting with Markell to rally him to the cause and building on an existing relationship with Hoyer.
“We’re working collectively to our strengths. I’m a believer in the project. We’re developing regionally and collaborating on our future,” Mathias said. “I’m hoping we get our fair share here on the shore.”
While a formal decision won’t be made until later this year, Mathias said it is incumbent upon officials to protect what industries the shore has, while continuing to grow to provide opportunities in the future.
“The project has a 20-year lifespan and will create 400 tech jobs,” he said. “We talk so much about ‘Del-Mar-Va’ so I thought to get an alliance of leadership. We had Gov. McAuliffe and Gov. Hogan, and I was able to secure a meeting with Gov. Markell and get his support.”
Delegates Mary Beth Carozza and Charles Otto were also lauded for their quick support and organizational efforts.
“There’s a lot of momentum behind this and a lot of interest. Right now we’re awaiting the next steps,” Peter Bale, director of the nonprofit Wallops Island Regional Alliance, said.
The WIRA’s mission is to enhance and protect federal and defense assets on the lower shore.
Bale said the Navy is going through its process, which allows for an environmental impact study and public comment on the proposed expansion, while also evaluating other sites.
“We’re putting all the pieces together, but there is the possibility of high class, high tech jobs in the area,” Bale said.
Worcester County Economic Development Director Merry Mears thinks the show of support is a net positive for the effort.
“Having the most senior federal legislator in Steny Hoyer on our side certainly enhances our chances,” she said.
On the local side, however, the towns are a bit more skeptical having heard much of this conversation before.
“I used to work at Wallops Island, and I thought 12,000 people were coming to Snow Hill years ago,” Snow Hill Mayor Charlie Dorman said. “It needs to happen — I’d love to see it — but it needs to actually happen.”
More personnel associated with the Triton will also need places to eat, live, shop and educate their children.
“We have the best schools and we’re close,” Dorman said. “We all want this — everyone will benefit.”
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison agreed with Dorman.
“It would have a huge impact on Pocomoke City — it would just have to,” Morrison said. “People are talking about a lot of things out there and if any of them come true it’ll be good for the city.”
Mathias said he saw a report, which stated 25 percent of existing jobs wouldn’t exist in 20 years.
“Given the economic impact of Wallops Island, it also serves us for future growth opportunities,” he said.
In addition, Maryland Congressman and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer voiced his support in favor of the program in a letter addressed to both the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson.
State Sen. Jim Mathias said he organized the support following a meeting with Markell to rally him to the cause and building on an existing relationship with Hoyer.
“We’re working collectively to our strengths. I’m a believer in the project. We’re developing regionally and collaborating on our future,” Mathias said. “I’m hoping we get our fair share here on the shore.”
While a formal decision won’t be made until later this year, Mathias said it is incumbent upon officials to protect what industries the shore has, while continuing to grow to provide opportunities in the future.
“The project has a 20-year lifespan and will create 400 tech jobs,” he said. “We talk so much about ‘Del-Mar-Va’ so I thought to get an alliance of leadership. We had Gov. McAuliffe and Gov. Hogan, and I was able to secure a meeting with Gov. Markell and get his support.”
Delegates Mary Beth Carozza and Charles Otto were also lauded for their quick support and organizational efforts.
“There’s a lot of momentum behind this and a lot of interest. Right now we’re awaiting the next steps,” Peter Bale, director of the nonprofit Wallops Island Regional Alliance, said.
The WIRA’s mission is to enhance and protect federal and defense assets on the lower shore.
Bale said the Navy is going through its process, which allows for an environmental impact study and public comment on the proposed expansion, while also evaluating other sites.
“We’re putting all the pieces together, but there is the possibility of high class, high tech jobs in the area,” Bale said.
Worcester County Economic Development Director Merry Mears thinks the show of support is a net positive for the effort.
“Having the most senior federal legislator in Steny Hoyer on our side certainly enhances our chances,” she said.
On the local side, however, the towns are a bit more skeptical having heard much of this conversation before.
“I used to work at Wallops Island, and I thought 12,000 people were coming to Snow Hill years ago,” Snow Hill Mayor Charlie Dorman said. “It needs to happen — I’d love to see it — but it needs to actually happen.”
More personnel associated with the Triton will also need places to eat, live, shop and educate their children.
“We have the best schools and we’re close,” Dorman said. “We all want this — everyone will benefit.”
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison agreed with Dorman.
“It would have a huge impact on Pocomoke City — it would just have to,” Morrison said. “People are talking about a lot of things out there and if any of them come true it’ll be good for the city.”
Mathias said he saw a report, which stated 25 percent of existing jobs wouldn’t exist in 20 years.
“Given the economic impact of Wallops Island, it also serves us for future growth opportunities,” he said.