Accomack Supervisors authorize County Administrator to apply for grant to help fund Natural Gas pipeline

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday night to authorize County Administrator Mike Mason to submit a Community Project Funding application to help finance the expansion of natural gas service in the county. Delegate Rob Bloxom supports the effort and has already secured $6.5 million in state funding for the project.

The proposed $78 million project would extend a 48.5-mile natural gas pipeline from Maryland, aiming to support local economic development and reduce fuel costs for major businesses such as Perdue, Tyson, and NASA Wallops.

The project is expected to generate 143 construction jobs, $7 million in labor income, and more than $21 million in economic impact during the construction phase. Over the long term, it could save anchor customers nearly $7 million annually in fuel costs.

In addition to the $6.5 million in state funding, the project currently faces a $900,000 budget gap. The anticipated 45-month timeline includes engineering, permitting, and 18 months of construction.

Local officials believe natural gas access is critical to attracting new industries. With growing demand from companies like Rocket Lab and expanding poultry operations, leaders hope the investment will drive both job creation and economic growth.