University officials said the pier will give scientists, students, and research vessels direct access to the Occoquan River after nearly a decade of limited water access. Neighbors and local paddling groups raised concerns about the structure’s length, kayak passage, barge safety, and visual impact during the two-hour town hall at the center, located at 650 Mason Ferry Ave in Woodbridge.
The facility opened in 2017 as a 50,000-square-foot research and education building, but its existing short platform reaches mudflat at low tide. Researchers currently must trailer boats to other docks, limiting class instruction, continuous monitoring, and rapid response work.
