Concerning the $97.7 million "special appropriation" incentive package for the Avio USA solid rocket motor plant in Hurt, Pittsylvania County. Senate Bill 835 (Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Grant Fund), was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on February 24, 2026, only a few days ago.
The manufacturing of solid rocket motors brings significant risk of toxic pollution to the region, threatening the quality of our air, water, and soil both acutely and in the longterm.
I see no evidence that this project has sought balanced public comment and approval, or made those who will impacted by these inherent risks aware of the tradeoffs. These are grave, and long-term, externalities that -- if managed incorrectly -- could allow a foreign company to profit in the short-term, then take the money and run before human health issues are ever detected, let alone compensated for.
The people deserve a chance to prevent this scenario! Or, at least, be "eyes wide open" about what will be in their backyard and what they could ultimately pay for it.
Human health is most critical.
And, the following established economies would be at risk from toxic environmental waste:
1. Farming and agriculture -- toxic soil does not grow marketable produce, and cancer-causing compounds create crippling legal liability for small farmers.
2. Recreation, vacation, and tourism sector of Smith Mountain Lake (ecosystem damage, human health).
3. Real Estate, including at SML. The simple open risk of hazardous waste will hurt home price appreciation over time. An actual incident would hurt citizens' investments and disrupt budgets due to the loss of significant tax revenues.
Avio does not have the best environmental record.
I urge the Committee; Representatives of Districts 38, 39, 40, 48, 49, 51, 53; and Governor Spanberger to think very carefully about the long-term costs of this decision, and whether enough due diligence with citizens has been conducted. Thank you.
Concerning the $97.7 million "special appropriation" incentive package for the Avio USA solid rocket motor plant in Hurt, Pittsylvania County. Senate Bill 835 (Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Grant Fund), was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on February 24, 2026, only a few days ago. The manufacturing of solid rocket motors brings significant risk of toxic pollution to the region, threatening the quality of our air, water, and soil both acutely and in the longterm. I see no evidence that this project has sought balanced public comment and approval, or made those who will impacted by these inherent risks aware of the tradeoffs. These are grave, and long-term, externalities that -- if managed incorrectly -- could allow a foreign company to profit in the short-term, then take the money and run before human health issues are ever detected, let alone compensated for. The people deserve a chance to prevent this scenario! Or, at least, be "eyes wide open" about what will be in their backyard and what they could ultimately pay for it. Human health is most critical. And, the following established economies would be at risk from toxic environmental waste: 1. Farming and agriculture -- toxic soil does not grow marketable produce, and cancer-causing compounds create crippling legal liability for small farmers. 2. Recreation, vacation, and tourism sector of Smith Mountain Lake (ecosystem damage, human health). 3. Real Estate, including at SML. The simple open risk of hazardous waste will hurt home price appreciation over time. An actual incident would hurt citizens' investments and disrupt budgets due to the loss of significant tax revenues. Avio does not have the best environmental record. I urge the Committee; Representatives of Districts 38, 39, 40, 48, 49, 51, 53; and Governor Spanberger to think very carefully about the long-term costs of this decision, and whether enough due diligence with citizens has been conducted. Thank you.