During the 2018 General Assembly session, State Senator John Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) introduced legislation implementing a recommendation from the VASEM led Aerospace Study. Senator Cosgrove served on the Aerospace Study committee as a member of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
The summary of the legislation reads:
“Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority; Managing Director of Aerospace and Aviation. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority to employ, or appoint an existing employee as, a Managing Director of Aerospace and Aviation, who shall encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the aerospace and aviation industries in the Commonwealth.”
Aerospace in Virginia: An Opportunity for Economic Growth included the recommendation: “Virginia must create a senior, high-level aerospace economic development position with direct access to the governor and the authority to negotiate with aerospace companies considering investing in Virginia.”