NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — As the nation’s government shutdown stretches on, economists say the financial fallout could hit Hampton Roads harder than almost anywhere else in the country.

At Old Dominion University’s annual State of the Region presentation Friday morning, experts said the region’s dependence on federal spending from civilian workers to active-duty service members makes it especially vulnerable.

“Obviously, topic number one is the government shutdown,” said Dr. Bob McNab, professor of economics and director of ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy. “We estimate that a month-long shutdown would cost the region between $3 and $4 billion in lost economic activity.”

McNab said the region’s exposure is significant, with nearly 60,000 federal civilian workers and more

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