At the January 22nd Rotary meeting, we were originally scheduled to hear from a speaker representing Newport Mental Health. Unfortunately, due to illness, they were unable to attend. However, we look forward to rescheduling their important presentation as soon as possible.

In their place, Tom stepped in to deliver an informative talk on the upcoming expansion and move of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to our region. Drawing from a recent presentation by Matthew Hill, NOAA’s infrastructure program manager, to the Middletown Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC), Tom provided an exciting overview of this transformative move.

NOAA is in the process of relocating its East Coast operations from Virginia to Naval Station Newport. This significant development includes the arrival of a state-of-the-art research vessel in 2027 and the construction of a new 43,560-square-foot office facility. The move will bring approximately 210 NOAA employees to the area, and when including their families, about 600 new residents are expected to join our community.

Tom’s presentation highlighted the economic and community opportunities this relocation presents, along with its potential to enhance Newport’s standing as a hub for marine research and innovation.

We thank Tom for stepping in and sharing this timely and fascinating update, and we look forward to welcoming our Newport Mental Health speaker in the near future.