Virginia is the 4th best positioned of all the states to “grow, create jobs and prosper” in the coming five to 10 years, according to a new report, “Enterprising States: Policies that Produce,” published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Old Dominion was surpassed by North Dakota, Utah and Texas.
Virginia strengths were the highest median family income, the greatest STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concentration and the highest high-tech share of business. Believe it or not, the state ranked N0. 6 in the country for road quality. Areas of relative deficiency, though still above average, were per-capita income growth and higher-ed degree output.
The state profile credits Governor Bob McDonnell for “an aggressive highway and rail infrastructure investment plan,” most notably the proposed U.S. 460 Connector that will help the port at Hampton Roads fully exploit opportunities created by the Panama Canal expansion. Also noteworthy were state initiatives to promote STEM jobs, R&D and seed financing, as well as a plan to help 100,000 more Virginians get higher ed degrees over the next 15 years.
— JAB