WILLIAMSBURG 一 The Kongsberg manufacturing facility, VDOT road projects and property assessments were among the issues discussed during a July 30 town hall hosted by James City County supervisors Barbara Null and Tracy Wainwright.
The Stonehouse District and Powhatan District supervisors held the meeting at the James City County Library to provide updates on county projects and give residents an opportunity to ask questions outside of a regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
One of the main topics was the construction of Kongsberg’s new missile manufacturing facility in Toano. Shawn Manning, senior project manager for Kongsberg U.S., attended the town hall to provide an update on the project’s timeline and answer questions from residents.
Manning said construction is expected to begin late this year or in early 2027, with the facility expected to begin operations in 2028. The 153,000-square-foot facility is expected to create 180 jobs and represent a $70 million investment in the community.
“We’re starting from the ground up, which means we get to shape the culture of this facility,” he said. “I am hoping that as we stand it up and we bring production, we’re not only going to be the best in what we do, but we’re also going to drive a culture that people enjoy coming and leaving work.”
Residents asked questions about potential traffic impacts from the facility. Manning said those concerns were considered during planning and that roadways are being modified and expanded to accommodate truck traffic.
He said trucks serving the facility will not travel through residential areas or roundabouts and asked residents to notify him if they see trucks using those routes.
Questions were also raised about chemicals and solvents that will be used at the facility. Manning said some chemicals will be used during the manufacturing process, but they are not expected to enter the stormwater system.
The facility will primarily serve as an assembly operation, with parts shipped from Norway and assembled before being spray-painted. Manning said the facility will operate under required air permits and will be lead certified.
Manning also addressed security concerns, saying the facility will have cameras and fencing around the property.
The facility will also repair missiles for the military, Manning said, but it will not store ordnance or boosters. Those materials will continue to be handled at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.
The town hall also included updates on several VDOT projects in the area.
Brian Gentry, the new VDOT Williamsburg residency administrator, provided updates on the Croaker Road widening project, including work on the Rose Lane relocation and pavement tie-ins near Rose Lane and the Norge apartments.
The GAP C project is proceeding ahead of schedule. The project includes an 8.5-mile segment of Interstate 64 in both directions, extending from 1.5 miles west of Exit 227 to 2.75 miles west of Exit 231. The project will increase capacity along the corridor from four lanes to six lanes. The Six Mount Zion closure is expected to remain in place until sometime between Labor Day and Sept. 21.
Residents also asked about property assessments, particularly increases affecting undeveloped lots. Null and Wainwright said they are currently working with the county assessor to better understand why certain assessments are increasing and are exploring whether limits could be placed on how much assessments can rise each year.
