By Katharine Sucher, Science Writing Intern
Thomas Wysong is joining Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) as one of this summer’s coastal resource policy fellows. Thomas will evaluate the potential for creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Gloucester County to fund the dredging of Aberdeen Creek. Aberdeen Creek is an important harbor for commercial fishing operations along the York River.
Rather than raising taxes or reallocating existing funds, a TIF district would allow Gloucester County to pay for the dredging of Aberdeen Creek by reserving future revenue. Thomas’ final report will help determine if creating a TIF district in Gloucester County is a financially stable way to pay for the project. He is excited for his role in the process.
“The Virginia Sea Grant fellowship is a great opportunity to research the challenges facing coastal communities in Virginia and develop policy initiatives that address them,” Thomas said. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to develop policy for the Middle Peninsula that can improve the region’s economic and environmental sustainability.”
Thomas graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2012 with an undergraduate degree in history. He has since returned to his hometown of Richmond, VA, to pursue a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at Virginia Commonwealth University. He expects to graduate and fall 2014 and then hopes to work in economic development and land use planning in VA. He sees his fellowship with VASG as a great learning experience.
“It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about solving the problems that face Virginia’s coastal communities,” Thomas said. “Working with the Virginia Sea Grant and the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission has motivated me to be a better urban planner.”
