The City of Newport News announced on May 1 the award of a $3,061,400 Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant to support the Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center. The initiative aims to advance next-generation aviation, aerospace, and uncrewed systems in the region. The project is backed by GO Virginia Region 5 with the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable serving as grantee.
The Mobility Innovation Center will provide a Federal Aviation Administration-aligned training, testing, and research environment focused on advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems technologies. The center will operate across two sites: Newport News-Williamsburg Airport for crewed aviation operations and a Beyond Visual Line of Sight environment at the Newport News Park Radio Control Club site for research and workforce training. This dual-site approach seeks to create an FAA-compliant ecosystem supporting workforce development, applied research, and technology validation.
Mayor Phillip D. Jones said, “This investment represents a major advancement in positioning Newport News and Hampton Roads at the forefront of the aviation and aerospace industries of the future. The Mobility Innovation Center builds on our efforts to transform Newport News-Williamsburg Airport into a hub for innovation, workforce development, and economic opportunity. By aligning infrastructure, industry, and talent, we are creating new pathways for growth and ensuring our community remains competitive in high-demand, high-wage sectors.”
Lindsey Carney-Smith, Chair of the Peninsula Airport Commission said: “The Mobility Innovation Center reflects the strength of regional collaboration and the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports both industry and workforce needs. This initiative enhances the role of Newport News-Williamsburg Airport as a critical asset for innovation and positions the region to lead in advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems development. The Peninsula Airport Commission is proud to be a partner in this future-focused program.” Tom Frantz from GO Virginia Region 5 Council added that “the MIC will bring jobs and growth to the region” while supporting leadership in aviation technology.
According to Cathy Williams from Newport News Economic Development Authority: “This project represents a strategic investment in our long-term growth. The Mobility Innovation Center strengthens Newport News’ competitive position in aviation and aerospace… develop[ing] a workforce ready to meet industry demand.” Dan Wolfe from Universal Solutions International Inc., which will serve as technical partner on delivery said: “By establishing FAA-aligned environments… this project enables both workforce development and industry application in a practical… way.”
The City of Newport News covers areas along James River with diverse sectors including shipbuilding, technological research, international commerce according to the official website. Its heritage includes sites like Lee Hall Mansion—a key Confederate headquarters during Civil War campaigns—and features historical facilities such as those highlighted by the historical site. According to official city code, Mayor Jones presides over council meetings as head official.
