EVRIFA is entering an important new phase in its work to strengthen our region's competitiveness and expand our ability to support transformational economic development projects.

Our GO Virginia site readiness planning grant is now active, positioning EVRIFA as the regional leader in advancing industrial site readiness across Hampton Roads. Through this initiative, we will evaluate both existing and prospective sites, identify the infrastructure and development needs that may affect their marketability, and explore funding mechanisms that can help move high-potential properties toward investment readiness.

The grant will also allow us to work with an experienced industry expert to develop strategies for what happens after a major investment is announced. Winning a project is only the beginning. Communities must be prepared to deliver infrastructure, coordinate permitting, support workforce needs, and respond quickly to the many challenges that accompany large-scale development. By planning for those responsibilities now, EVRIFA can help ensure our region is ready not only to attract major investments, but also to successfully implement them.

Progress is also continuing at Kings Creek Commerce Center. The project remains an important example of how regional cooperation can advance a property with significant economic development potential. As that work moves forward, EVRIFA is actively seeking additional project opportunities where our regional structure, partnerships, and resources can help communities overcome barriers and prepare sites for future employers.

Here in Williamsburg, I also see an important opportunity for our community to help the region better understand its innovation corridors and the assets that connect our research institutions, entrepreneurs, workforce, military installations, and emerging industries. Williamsburg’s central location, institutional resources, and growing innovation ecosystem can play a meaningful role in identifying these connections and demonstrating how they contribute to the broader economic strength of Hampton Roads.


Below you'll find a copy of our EVRIFA Annual Report, which summarizes the activities that took place within the last Fiscal Year and sets the stage for the future.

Finally, as regional leaders we wanted to ensure that you are aware of the upcoming Ironclad Maritime Summit, taking place on October 27th in Norfolk. Read more in the Alliance update below or visit ironcladmaritime.com.

EVRIFA was created to accomplish more through collaboration than any one community could achieve alone. With the GO Virginia grant underway, Kings Creek Commerce Center progressing, and new opportunities on the horizon, we are well positioned to build a stronger portfolio of sites and support the next generation of regional investment.

Barbara L. Ramsey

Barbara L. Ramsey

Chair, Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority

Councilwoman, City of Williamsburg

Read EVRIFA's Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report to review the accomplishments that set the stage for a transformative year ahead.

The Hampton Roads Alliance, in partnership with the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA), announced the successful award of two GO Virginia grants totaling $1,042,944 that will accelerate implementation of the Hampton Roads Playbook. “These grants are a major step forward for regional collaboration and economic competitiveness,” said Barbara Ramsey, Chair of EVRIFA. “By aligning our localities and partners around the Playbook, we are creating the conditions for transformative projects to succeed—delivering ready sites, coordinated infrastructure, and a unified approach that makes Hampton Roads more attractive to major employers and investors. The due diligence EVRIFA can undertake due to these grants will enable us to serve as the lead agency driving the future of site readiness in Hampton Roads.”

EVRIFA will utilize a $296,450 grant to step into a critical role in ensuring that the region is prepared to capture these opportunities through multi-jurisdictional site readiness and industrial development. The first step involved issuing an RFP on July 1st to select a consultant team for a regional industrial site readiness and prioritization project. The engagement will evaluate candidate industrial sites across the region using a consistent methodology grounded in the Hampton Roads Playbook's DEAL framework (Defense, Energy, Aerospace, Logistics), with a special focus on assessing sites for aviation, aerospace, autonomy, and uncrewed systems (UxS) compatibility in coordination with NEXUS. The work will also produce practical guidance to help localities advance site readiness and manage major economic development projects once a site is selected, covering everything from infrastructure and governance to funding and long-term benefit capture. Deliverables include a candidate site inventory, an aviation/UxS compatibility memo, a site readiness evaluation matrix, a prioritized site portfolio, a major project readiness guide, market-ready site profiles aligned with VEDP standards, and a final implementation roadmap, with the full engagement expected to run seven to nine months from notice to proceed.

EVRIFA received three proposals in response to the RFP and recently conducted interviews with the respondents. The selected firm will be announced and work will begin in September.

The grant also provides funding for an EVRIFA Site Readiness Coordinator, whose main focus will be identifying sites in member communities for readiness and helping position them to be responsive to prospect requests. The Coordinator will work for the Hampton Roads Alliance as EVRIFA's Operational Partner. Josh Sterling, previously Real Estate Analyst for the Alliance, was selected for the role and will be officially introduced at the Board meeting in September.

This fall Hampton Roads is hosting a seminal event bringing together shipbuilding, defense, technology, workforce, and economic development partners to strengthen one of our region’s core industry sectors. The upcoming Ironclad Maritime Summit will convene leaders from across the maritime ecosystem to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore opportunities shaping the industry’s future. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao will headline the summit. Learn more about Ironclad, its purpose, and what attendees can expect in the Hampton Roads Alliance’s blog post below.

Get to Know EVRIFA Vice Chair and

Chesapeake Mayor Rick West

Each edition of The Common Ground will highlight a major regional site that is not owned by EVRIFA but has the potential to attract a transformative economic development opportunity.

Patriot Power Park

Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA)

3 Commercial Place, Suite 1320

Norfolk, VA 23510

www.easternvirginiaauthority.com

The Common Ground is produced by the Hampton Roads Alliance.

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