Virginia is once again in the spotlight as an emerging new hub of choice for tech facilities.

After tech and e-commerce giant Amazon.com recently zeroed in on Washington metro area and two other places in a much-publicized search for its second headquarters, Apple Inc. the world’s richest company, is reportedly considering locations in Virginia for its new campus for 20,000 employees.

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday Apple has “quietly” explored prospects for the new facility in Northern Virginia.

Citing officials and real estate executives, the report says economic development officials under Virginia Governor Ralph Northam have identified several sites for the project.

Apple, which is headquartered in Cupertino, California, is reportedly seeking 4 million square feet of office space to accommodate the large number of jobs.

The governor’s staff has proposed office buildings and development sites in Crystal City, privately owned Loudoun County land near the Center for Innovative Technology and the Scotts Run development in Tysons, the Post says.

Several sites in Alexandria including property along the Eisenhower Avenue corridor have also been proposed, according to the report.

Confirming the search for a new facility, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said in January 2018 that the company had begun to focus its search.

In January, Apple said in January that it planned to spend $30 billion on new facilities and hire 20,000 employees in U.S. over the next five years, the Post reported, adding that according to the company officials  much of that growth will come at a new location outside of California and Texas, home to its two largest hubs.

According to a Reuters report, Apple plans to announce the location for its new campus later this year.

FEATURED IMAGE: A picture of Alexandria with Washington and Arlington in the distance, Credit:  ALXCHO/Wikimedia Commons