Portsmouth port commission seeks council support for waterfront upgrades, grant pursuit and job-focused development

Chairwoman Angelia Allen, chairwoman of the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission, told the City Council during a public work session that the commission reviewed recent port-related investments, ongoing development-site marketing and requested council support for grant applications and seawall modifications to expand cruise-ship calls.

The commission presented specifics on grant programs and recent projects and described several development sites targeted for industrial or port-related uses. "We serve staggered 5 year terms. Our powers include acquiring, owning, leasing, disposing of property, acquiring, constructing, developing, and maintaining and operating wharf, docks, and piers," Allen said, describing the commission's legal role and authorities.

The presentation matters because the PPIC said the projects and grants are intended to generate jobs, tax revenue and increased waterfront tourism. The commission asked council to continue support for pursuing state and federal grants for PPIC-owned sites, to prioritize certain roadway improvements and to consider seawall modifications that would allow more cruise-ship dockings.

Most important figures and programs were presented by Allen and PPIC staff: the PPIC job-creation grant is a locally funded, one-time award of $500 per qualified position for jobs at 175% of the Virginia minimum wage and $800 per position for jobs at 200% of the Virginia minimum wage, with a maximum award of $80,000 per recipient. The Virginia Port Host Community Revitalization Fund provides reimbursement up to 50% of eligible project costs…