The Accomack County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 20, 2024, where key discussions centered around economic development, infrastructure needs, and updates on local initiatives.

One of the most significant presentations came from Jennifer Goodrum, the Director of State and Local Government Operations for Rocket Lab. She provided an operational update on the company's activities in Accomack County, highlighting their growth and plans for future rocket launches. Goodrum emphasized Rocket Lab's commitment to expanding its presence in the region, which includes the development of a new, larger rocket called Neutron, designed for national security missions and potentially human spaceflight. She noted that Rocket Lab is the second most frequently launched rocket in the U.S. and discussed the economic benefits that the space industry could bring to the area, including job creation and increased tourism.

Goodrum also addressed challenges related to transporting the new rocket, particularly the need for marine infrastructure on Wallops Island to facilitate the movement of large components. She expressed the importance of local and state support in addressing these logistical issues to maintain Virginia's competitiveness in the space industry.

In addition to the Rocket Lab update, the board discussed changes to the county's procurement policy, aimed at modernizing and aligning with state regulations to encourage competitive bidding. The board approved a significant personal property tax refund for Norfolk Southern Railroad Company, totaling $158,712.50, due to an error in vehicle taxation.

The meeting concluded with various board members sharing updates on community initiatives and expressing gratitude for local partnerships. They also discussed the importance of maintaining emergency services and infrastructure in light of recent natural disasters.

Overall, the meeting underscored Accomack County's focus on fostering economic growth through partnerships with innovative companies like Rocket Lab while addressing essential infrastructure needs to support future developments.