Groundbreaking marks start of Elizabeth City aviation park

Posted to: News North Carolina

By Jeff Hampton
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 10, 2008

The Virginian-Pilot

A groundbreaking held Thursday marked the beginnings of a $13 million aviation commerce park on Consolidated Road next to the Elizabeth City Coast Guard base.

Expected to become a major economic engine for the region, the project could bring as many as 500 jobs over five years. It is being funded with state and federal grants and local money.

The 63-acre first phase is slated for completion next year, including facilities for Elizabeth City State University's school of aviation and College of The Albemarle's airframe certification program.

DRS Technologies also plans to expand there.

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District, Democratic state Rep. Bill Owens and other state and local officials spoke at the ceremony, attended by more than 100 people.

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