Financial impact of carrier move

NORFOLK, Va. - Naval Station Norfolk is the largest Navy Base in the world. There's no denying the port brings in big business, though maintaining it also costs big bucks.

"Within the last five years, the taxpayers have spent $400-million at Naval Station Norfolk, upgrading the piers and the waterfront infrastructure," said Frank Roberts, Executive Director of Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

Roberts says every resident should be tuned in to this fight.

"We're not going to lose this carrier," said Senator Jim Webb during a press conference Thursday, as Virginia heavyweights made their case for why Naval Station Mayport should not get an aircraft carrier.

At the top of the list was economics.

"It's totally fiscally irresponsible," agreed Roberts.

According to the Navy, the move would cost $426-Million.

Maintenance facilities would cost $296-million; dredging, $48-million; wharf improvements, $39-million; parking, $28-million and traffic improvements would cost $15-million.

Virginia lawmakers say the figure is closer to one billion dollars. This, when the Navy says it has $4.6-billion in unfunded projects.

"Is it appropriate and the wisest use of the taxpayers' funds to build this excess infrastructure at this point, at this time," asked Roberts.

He says no and worries about the economic fallout. Less money being spent locally; more ships potentially moving.

"It's a snowball rolling downhill," he continued.

A move Virginia's leading lawmakers want to stop before it's too late.