Northrop Grumman breaks ground

Business leaders and politicians lined up on Wednesday in Newport News to turn their ceremonial shovels.

The use of human energy was just the beginning of a nuclear option. One that touts impressive numbers: a 330,000 square foot manufacturing facility at a cost of $360 million. But the biggest number for Newport News in this tough economy is the 500 new jobs.

"So this beginning is truly monumental and it's historical," said Mayor Joe Frank.

Northrop Grumman and AREVA, a French nuclear company, are joining forces to build a plant on the north end of the shipyard in Newport News. It will manufacture components for new nuclear power plants, an industry experiencing a rebirth, as America grapples with 21st century energy challenges.

Governor Tim Kaine told the crowd this is a new beginning. "I believe the path to safe future oriented civil use of nuclear power is going to begin right here in Virginia," said Governor Kaine.

Skilled craft workers from Northrop's Shipbuilding sector will help build steam generators and reactor vessels, and they have plenty of experience from more than a half century of building nuclear vessels for the Navy.

"Here at the shipyard our talented shipbuilders can build anything," beamed Mike Petters, President of Northrup Grumman Shipbuilding.

In this case, monster pieces of a new energy landscape that should begin growing from this facility in January of 2012.

Site work is expected to begin within weeks.

The project received a hearty state and local incentives package, including grant money from the Governor's Opportunity Fund.