Aerospace is the economic engine that can propel Virginia’s economy to new levels. That was the message last week brought to the Virginia General Assembly members on AeroSpace Days 2010, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 3-4, in Richmond.
NASA leaders from Langley Research Center in Hampton and Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore participated with aerospace industry representatives statewide to assure the message was received. Aerospace is a $5.4 billion industry that stimulates innovation and creates high-tech jobs. Virginia has more than 350 aerospace company locations and employs over 26,000 people, generating a direct economic output of $5.6 billion. NASA facilities in Virginia generate over a billion dollars and more than 10,000 jobs. Additionally, NASA revenues translate into approximately $64 million in federal taxes and almost $14 million in state and local taxes.
