Accomack and Northampton County EC
Latest Progress Reports
Annual Report
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999Funding Report
State: Virginia
Counties (Census Tracts): Northampton (9901, 9902, 9903), Accomack (9907, 9908)
Community Population: 12,955
Community Area: 242 sq. mi.
Poverty Rate: 27%
Per Capita Income: $12,500
Overview
The Economic Empowerment & Housing Corporation of the Eastern Shore is located in Northampton and Accomack, the two poorest counties in Virginia. Northampton and Accomack are located on Virginia's eastern shore along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline; a beautiful and prized area where beautifully preserved historic homes and expensive newer homes overlook tidal creeks and the Bay itself.
In contrast, the area's poor live in homes with little or no plumbing. Tar paper is nailed over cracked and weathered clapboard, and heating for the most part consists of one kerosene stove. In summer, unrelenting swarms of mosquitos and gnats enter through unscreened open windows. The homes are literally falling down upon the occupants. The local economy has historically relied on several food processing plants which have closed in the recent years. The counties lack sufficient water and sewer systems, housing and a trained workforce.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity:
The Community seeks to provide housing, economic opportunity, and increased cultural awareness. The plan presents good strategies for reviving this community by strengthening the fiber of the existing local businesses. The economic revitalization strategies are tied to broader county economic development. The core element of the plan is a new profit making enterprise, the Virginia Eastern Shore Sustainable Development Corporation (VESSDC). This corporation will provide markets for newly established local business enterprises and serve as a model to demonstrate that conservation of natural resources is compatible with economic development. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will assist the area with further development of the tourism industry. The wood manufacturing facilities will be able to develop and expand markets for its custom wood products.
Sustainable Economic and Community Development:
Local jobs will be generated with housing loans and repair grants from USDA-Rural Housing and Community Development Service. The Northampton Housing Trust (NHT) will be utilized as a resource to assist with housing development. The plan indicates that a combination of federal and other resources will be used to build and improve housing. Residents will also find work with the quasi-public transportation system as drivers and maintenance personnel. Additional jobs will be created through the establishment of a community owned food and fish processing facility. The plan incorporates strategies for improved education and training in such areas as drug abuse and youth services.
Major Public Sector Commitments
State Government Resources:
$500,000 - Virginia Eastern Shore revolving loan fund-business development assistance.
Local government Resources:
$25,000 - Enterprise Community Business Incubator.
Major Private Sector Commitments
The Virginia Eastern Shore Sustainable Development Corporation (VESSDC) is to be capitalized with $2 million of private investment to develop at least 50 locally owned and operated businesses.
Contact:
Name: Lee Mapp, Acting Executive Director Address: P.O. Box 814 Nassawadox, VA 23413 Phone: 757-442-4509, ext. 106 Fax: 757-442-7530 Email: veseehc@esva.net
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