Leaders Break Ground on New Accomack County Airport Hangar in Melfa, Advancing Eastern Shore Aerospace Economy
ACCOMACK COUNTY, Virginia. May 4, 2026 - Federal, state, regional, and industry leaders gathered today at Accomack County Airport in Melfa to officially break ground on a new aerial hangar facility, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the aerospace and aviation sector on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The new hangar will serve as critical infrastructure to support a growing range of aerospace operations. The project underscores ongoing efforts to position Accomack County as a leading destination for aerospace investment and innovation. The hangar will be built by the Virginia Spaceport Authority and handed over to Accomack County upon completion. The Virginia Spaceport Authority plays a central role in Accomack County’s aerospace economy, driving growth and long-term economic development for the Eastern Shore.
"This new hangar at the Accomack County Airport represents a meaningful investment in the Eastern Shore’s future—supporting economic growth, strengthening our aviation infrastructure, and creating new opportunities for private sector partnerships,” said U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “Projects like this not only enhance the Eastern Shore’s capacity to attract business and innovation, but also demonstrate what strong collaboration between local, state, and regional partners can achieve. I’d like to thank the Virginia Spaceport Authority for leading this effort and I look forward to seeing this investment serve residents and visitors to Accomack County for years to come.”
The hangar is expected to generate new jobs, support local suppliers, and increase demand for skilled workforce training programs. It also complements the region’s unique assets, including proximity to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s rocket launch and testing capabilities, making it an attractive location for future aerospace companies looking to locate to Virginia.
“As we break ground on this new hangar in Melfa, we are investing in the future of the Eastern Shore and strengthening Virginia’s position in the growing aerospace economy,” said Delegate Rob Bloxom. “This facility represents opportunity by bringing jobs and new partnerships to Accomack County. I am proud to support a project that builds on our region’s unique assets and helps ensure long-term economic growth for our community.”
Economic development leaders emphasized that the project will not only enhance operational capacity but also drive secondary benefits across the local economy, from supply chain opportunities to workforce development partnerships.
“This facility is a tangible investment in the future of the Eastern Shore,” said Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason. “It enhances our ability to attract new companies and create meaningful economic opportunities for our communities.”
The mission of the Virginia Spaceport Authority, which owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport located on Wallops Island, Va., is to drive economic development through the development of the aerospace industry.
“This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction; it reflects a shared commitment to growing the aerospace economy on Virginia’s Eastern Shore,” said Virginia Spaceport Authority CEO and Executive Director Roosevelt Mercer Jr., Maj. Gen., USAF (ret.). “The Virginia Spaceport Authority is proud to partner with Accomack County to deliver a facility that will expand capabilities and support high-quality jobs in the region. This hangar is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry, and we are honored to help position Melfa as a key location for Virginia’s growing aerospace economy.”
Media Contact:
Lillian Palmbach
Chief of External Relations
757- 837-3304
Featured Articles
