THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 1994 TAG: 9410050517
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ACCOMAC LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
Support the establishment and growth of a commercial spaceport at Wallops Island. Ask the federal government to make Cape Charles harbor a duty-free foreign trade zone. Form a regional sewerage authority.
These and 43 more recommendations were forwarded to Gov. George F. Allen on Tuesday by the Eastern Shore's Economic Development Advisory Council.
The 29-member council, appointed by Allen this summer, is one of 18 regional groups across the state.
Each group will prepare an overview of its region's economic strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth. The reports will be combined into a statewide economic development strategy called ``Opportunity Virginia.''
George McMath, chairman of the local council, said he expects the strategy to have concrete benefits for the Eastern Shore.
``I think the governor is very serious about it. He's determined to create more jobs,'' said McMath. ``He wouldn't put us through this whole process just to put the plan on a shelf.''
Last month, controversy flared over the ethnic composition of the Eastern Shore's council. Although 40 percent of the two-county region's population is African American, no blacks were initially appointed.
Now, the 29-member council has three African Americans: Greg Duncan, an Accomack County supervisor; Berran Rogers, with the Farmers Home Administration; and John Worsley, a retired school principal.
``It was one of the most dedicated groups I've ever worked with,'' McMath said.
He praised the group for its broad base of talent and the willingness to set aside self-interests. Surprisingly, said McMath, no one came to the table with a rigid view of what was best for the Eastern Shore.
The 14-page report was approved unanimously by the council members, some of whom have been major players in creating other economic development strategies.
``Each of those other plans is like a single piece of a jigsaw puzzle,'' said George Podelco, who served on the council. ``But this is the first attempt to look at the Shore, Shore-wide.''
ACCOMAC - Support the establishment and growth of a commercial spaceport at Wallops Island. Ask the federal government to make Cape Charles harbor a duty-free foreign trade zone. Form a regional sewerage authority.
These and 43 more recommendations were forwarded to Gov. George F. Allen on Tuesday by the Eastern Shore's Economic Development Advisory Council.
The 29-member council, appointed by Allen this summer, is one of 18 regional groups across the state.
Each group will prepare an overview of its region's economic strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth. The reports will be combined into a statewide economic development strategy called ``Opportunity Virginia.''
George McMath, chairman of the local council, said he expects the strategy to have concrete benefits for the Eastern Shore.
``I think the governor is very serious about it. He's determined to create more jobs,'' said McMath. ``He wouldn't put us through this whole process just to put the plan on a shelf.''
Last month, controversy flared over the ethnic composition of the Eastern Shore's council. Although 40 percent of the two-county region's population is African American, no blacks were initially appointed.
Now, the 29-member council has three African Americans: Greg Duncan, an Accomack County supervisor; Berran Rogers, with the Farmers Home Administration; and John Worsley, a retired school principal.
``It was one of the most dedicated groups I've ever worked with,'' McMath said.
He praised the group for its broad base of talent and the willingness to set aside self-interests. Surprisingly, said McMath, no one came to the table with a rigid view of what was best for the Eastern Shore.
The 14-page report was approved unanimously by the council members, some of whom have been major players in creating other economic development strategies.
``Each of those other plans is like a single piece of a jigsaw puzzle,'' said George Podelco, who served on the council. ``But this is the first attempt to look at the Shore, Shore-wide.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
RECOMMENDATIONS
These are among the recommendations forwarded to Gov. George F.
Allen by the Eastern Shore's Economic Development Advisory Council:
The state should help Accomack County find money to expand and
improve its airport.
The Virginia Port Authority should mount a marketing campaign to
bring shippers to the Cape Charles marine terminal.
The state should provide funds to develop a heritage trail in
Accomack County that will link with the one being created in
Northampton County.
The Eastern Shore should create a regional sewerage authority to
coordinate wastewater treatment and policy.
Access to the area's beaches should be maintained and expanded.
Bayside and seaside creeks and bays should be nominated for
``exceptional waters'' status to gain a competitive marketing edge
for Eastern Shore seafood products.
The state should assure funding for the local agricultural
research and extension center.
The state should support the development of research and
education facilities on the Eastern Shore.
Local entrepreneurs should be encouraged to buy old buildings and
restore them to their original charm.
The region should establish a saltwater aquarium and Coast Guard
museum.
by CNB