Study Identifies Opportunities Along Prince William County’s Waterfront

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently received the results of the Maritime Industry & Waterfront Placemaking Study, which identified a broad range of opportunities along the county’s waterfront that vary significantly in scope, complexity and cost.  

The study, commissioned by the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, was the first of its kind in Prince William County. Fourth Economy, an economic and community development consulting firm, conducted the study from November 2025 to October 2026.  

The study examined trends and opportunities along the county’s waterfront, including maritime activity, tourism, recreation and waterfront placemaking. It also incorporated input from waterfront landowners, government agencies, community organizations and other maritime and waterfront stakeholders.  

Prince William County has 60 miles of waterfront along the Potomac River, Occoquan River and Reservoir and various creeks and inlets. Much of that waterfront is currently used for environmental conservation and recreation. 

At least 42 percent of the county’s shoreline, or roughly 25 miles, is held by local, state and federal entities as parkland or protected waterfront. Public access is also limited. Of the county’s 24 water access points, six are public and 18 are controlled by homeowners associations or private owners. The county has 11 marinas, three of which are public and eight private. 

The study also found that little private- or county-owned land is available for future waterfront development, and recent rezonings have further limited development opportunities. 

Today, residents and visitors use the waterfront for boating, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Waterfront areas also host events such as Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show, the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Clean the Bay Day and Water Art Invitational, along with live entertainment and dining. 

The waterfront also supports existing industrial activity. Vulcan Materials Company and Dominion Energy’s Possum Point Power Plant rely on water access for their operations. 

Despite constraints on available land and public access, the study identified opportunities for additional economic and recreational activity. Potential growth areas include marine research and development, boating infrastructure, fish processing and consideration of the maritime industry as a targeted industry for attracting investment. 

George Mason University expressed interest in expanded infrastructure to support research and development, which could also support workforce development and attract investment. The university’s Potomac Science Center presented the strongest near-term opportunities for research, development and innovation. 

The study included input from local, regional and state partners, community organizations and waterfront landowners. Participants included Northern Virginia Parks, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the County Trails and Blueways Council and the Greater Prince William Trails Coalition. 

Waterfront landowners participating in the study included Potomac Shores, Leesylvania State Park, the National Park Service, Marine Corps Base Quantico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Overall, stakeholders expressed excitement about waterfront potential and a desire for clear, unified waterfront vision, the study showed. 

The study recommendations included public access projects, marina support programs, zoning tools, branding and marquee events, as well as feasibility studies, waterfront development zone standards, a land acquisition strategy and a countywide waterfront brand.  

The study results will be posted on the county website by the end of October. Board direction and funding would be required to move recommendations from study to implementation. 

To view the Maritime Industry & Waterfront Placemaking Study presentation, visit the Board of County Supervisors webpage at pwcva.gov/bocs.