NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) employees and sailors will soon have more options for parking thanks to a $120 million project.
In a press release on Monday, HII and the U.S. Navy announced plans to add 2,000 new parking spaces to the shipyard. Officials said the addition will "enhance the working experience."
"This increase in parking availability will support future Navy and NNS commitments to deliver ships vital to the Navy’s needs," according to the news release.
Ever since a cluster of sailor suicides began at Newport News Shipbuilding in 2022, the Navy has talked about improving quality of service and quality of life for sailors. Now, that's about to happen.
No longer will the people who work building and repairing the Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers have to hoof it from distant parking lots to get in the front gate. They'll have the new, closer parking deck/garage which will span two current NNS parking lots located between 37th and 39th streets and between Huntington Avenue and Warwick Boulevard.
"Inadequate parking was cited as one of the foremost challenges and was often cited by our sailors as one of the things we could to improve the quality of service," said Rear Admiral Casey Moton, Commander, Program Executive Office, Aircraft Carriers.
Moton called the new deck "a great initial step."
He added: "Today's announcement demonstrates the Navy's commitment to its sailors and shipyard workers to listen and act upon feedback."
"It will improve the experience of our shipbuilders and our sailors that come here every day," Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin said.
She added: “For over a century, Newport News Shipbuilding and the City of Newport News have grown up together alongside the U.S. Navy. We are intertwined, always supporting each other, and always succeeding together. This new parking garage is exciting news that will contribute to the ongoing transformation of Newport News Shipbuilding and downtown Newport News."
"Our sailors and shipbuilders are part of the backbone of our nation and our country," said State Senator Mamie Locke. "They deserve a community that supports their dedication and hard work."
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said: "It's essential that we continue to cement the city's priorities with the Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding to amplify our investment in downtown and ensure the quality of sailors' lives."
W.M. Jordan has been contracted to build the parking garage. Contractors will conduct some pre-construction fabrication off-site, which officials say will reduce the overall time needed to complete the project.
HII is collaborating with the Navy and the city officials to finalize design plans. A spokesperson for the Navy said it will be complete in April 2026.
Under the plan, the Navy will pay the $120 million for the deck itself, with the shipyard providing the land, doing the design work, and performing future maintenance.