Secretary Haymore Unveils Southern Virginia Wine Region Road Signs

~ Sign Program Promotes Virginia’s Burgeoning Wine Industry, Diverse Wine Regions and American Viticultural Areas ~

Program reflects partnerships involving Agriculture, Transportation and Tourism

CHATHAM –  Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore unveiled the Southern Virginia Wine Region road signs, part of a continuing Virginia wine region sign program aimed at attracting more visitors to Virginia wineries.  The unveiling was the first event of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s two-day cabinet visit to Southern Virginia.  The signs announce to travelers on selected primary and secondary roads that they have entered a particular Virginia American Viticultural Area (AVA) or wine region.  Now in its second phase, the program has located almost 40 signs in thirteen Virginia AVAs and wine regions.

            The Southern Virginia Wine Region sign was unveiled at The Homeplace Vineyard in Chatham.  Incorporated in 2004, The Homeplace Vineyard is owned and operated by the Williams Family.  Held in the same family over the last 4 generations, The Homplace was traditionally a leaf tobacco farm, planting its first grapes in 2005.  The family now cultivates 5,600 vines on almost 10 acres, raising Traminette, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin and Viognier, the official wine grape of the Commonwealth.    

Running across the middle of the Virginia’s border with North Carolina, this mostly rural and rolling landscape of farms and woodland takes visitors into the south-side Virginia version of small-town America. Southern Virginia has a warm to temperate climate with good soil for winemaking in selected areas where the topography is ideal.  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Grigio and Vidal Blanc are the most produced grape varietals in this region of the Commonwealth.

The wine region sign program was funded by a grant from the federal Transportation Enhancement Program and matching funds from the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).  The Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry worked closely with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to design the signs and select locations that fit within the rules of the program and were best situated to promote the wine regions.  The Virginia Wine Board will assist with any maintenance should a sign be damaged or destroyed. 

“I want to thank Governor McAuliffe, Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne, CTB, VDOT, and the Virginia Wine Board for their assistance in making these wine region signs a reality,” said Secretary Haymore.  “The continued growth of Virginia’s wine industry, one of the fastest growing sectors of Virginia agriculture, is a priority for Governor McAuliffe and cross secretariat cooperation is key to the Governor’s overall economic development and jobs creation agenda.  This partnership, along with our on-going work with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, will help spur more growth and opportunities at wineries and their suppliers in rural areas throughout Virginia.”

“The Transportation Secretariat partners with the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry on everything from road signage, to weight restrictions, to the safe use of farm vehicles on Virginia roads,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne. “Our secondary roads are vital to those who work the land. Continuing to maintain the positive partnership between our two secretariats is a huge benefit to the farmer as well as the consumer.”

Raising the profile of Virginia wines and wine tourism, along with the production of top quality wines, are key components in the recent strong growth of the Virginia wine industry.  Continuing to promote Virginia wines at the Virginia Executive Mansion and throughout Virginia, on other domestic business recruitment visits, and on upcoming international trade and marketing missions, Governor McAuliffe is making the continued growth and success of the Virginia wine industry a priority in his administration. 

Virginia is home to more than 250 wineries and is fifth in the nation for wine grape production.  A 2012 economic impact study shows that Virginia's wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars - or $747 million - annually to Virginia's economy.  Virginia wineries and vineyards support 4,800 jobs that provide $156 million total in wages. 

Wine travel in Virginia has gained many recent accolades, including being named one of the ten best wine travel destinations in the world for 2012 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.  In 2010, approximately 1.6 million people visited Virginia wineries.  Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia.  In 2010, tourism generated $19 billion in revenue, supported 204,000 jobs and provided $1.2 billion in state and local taxes.

Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million in State Matching Funds for Transportation Projects

RICHMOND – Localities throughout Virginia will receive approximately $180 million in state matching funds, which advances nearly $880 million in transportation projects to improve roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails and traffic lights in their area. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the funding through the state’s Revenue Sharing Program during its meeting in June. 

“Localities across the state, from rural counties to large urban cities, are able to make critical transportation improvements in their communities with state dollars,” said Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “The Revenue Sharing Program provides a unique opportunity for the state and local governments to work in partnership to responsibly invest transportation dollars and support projects that enhance economic development opportunities in their locality.”

“The Revenue Sharing Program is an essential funding source for localities to proceed with their transportation priorities,” said Charlie Kilpatrick, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “The state’s contribution of $180 million advances projects valued almost five times that investment. Many projects will move forward to improve transportation throughout the commonwealth.”

Below is a partial list of projects that will advance under the Revenue Sharing Program

·       widen Lee Highway from two to four lanes from just east of Blevins Boulevard to just west of Alexis Drive in the City of Bristol 

·       repave several sections of unpaved roads in Culpeper County and new sidewalk construction in Albemarle County 

·       widen Morris Road/Mudd Tavern Road to four lanes and construct two double lane roundabouts from the bridge over Interstate 95 to just east of the bridge over I-95 in Spotsylvania County 

·       widen Courthouse Road from two to four lanes from Winding Creek Road to Cedar Lane in Stafford County

·       widen Rosemont Road to four lanes from Lynnhaven Parkway to Dam Neck Road in Virginia Beach

·       bridge replacement on Main Street over the Expressway in the City of Lynchburg

·       widen Lee Highway from Legato Road to Shirley Gate Road in Fairfax County

·       extend Riverside Parkway in Loudoun County from Lexington Drive to Loudoun County Parkway

·       citywide repaving in the City of Richmond and construction of additional bikeways and trails as part of 2015 World Cycling Championship event

·       Franklin Road bridge replacement and citywide repaving in the City of Roanoke

·       construct four lane extension of Snowden Bridge Blvd in Frederick County just east of Route 11

A full listing of projects is located at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2014/june/Resolution_Agenda_Item_5_Allocations.pdf.

Localities apply for funding under the Revenue Sharing Program each year.  VDOT recommends projects for funding and the CTB approves the final list of projects and allocation amounts for each.

For more information on the Revenue Sharing Program go tohttp://www.virginiadot.org/business/local-assistance-access-programs.asp#Revenue_Sharing.

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GOVERNOR MCAULIFFE ANNOUNCES $13.1 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

English: Virginia Megaprojects Transportation Improvements, Northern Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GOVERNOR MCAULIFFE ANNOUNCES $13.1 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE STATE WILL IMPROVE MOBILITY AND DRIVE THE ECONOMY

Transportation program reflects input from residents and the traveling public following a series of public hearings

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the public was heard and their transportation priorities were carefully considered, resulting in adjustments to the final Six-Year Improvement Program.  The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the program, which allocates $13.1 billion to highway, road, bridge, rail, transit, bicycle/pedestrian paths and other transportation improvements throughout Virginia over a six year period beginning July 1, 2014.

“When the draft program was made available to the public in April, I directed Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne and the Commonwealth Transportation Board to ramp up public involvement by getting out into the communities and holding hearings in nine regions across the state to solicit public input,” said McAuliffe.  “Nearly 400 people attended and 1,620 oral and written comments were collected.  From that information, the CTB adjusted the program to reflect the needs and priorities of local officials, residents and the traveling public who use and know their transportation system better than anyone else.”

Project highlights include:

·       Widening eight miles of the most congested stretches of  I-64 on the Peninsula

·       Extending the Tide light rail system into Virginia Beach

·       Providing  two new passenger trains from Richmond to Norfolk

·       Making safety improvements and repairs along I-81, including Exit 14 in Abingdon and Exit 150 in Roanoke

·       Improving Route 220 in Botetourt County

·       Developing I-66 improvements, extending the use of shoulders on I-495 and tie-in to the Express Lanes, and improving the Route 28 interchange in Northern Virginia

·       Widening Route 7 over the Dulles Toll Road

·       Funding improvements in the Metro 2025 program, including upgrades for 8-car trains along the Metrorail Orange line

·       Expanding VRE platforms and adding the VRE Potomac Shores station in Prince William County

·       Providing a package of improvements to Route 29 through Charlottesville, which replaces the bypass

·       Funding a second passenger train to Lynchburg

The six-year program will be updated later this year to comply with the new prioritization process, which was signed into law under House Bill 2 by McAuliffe earlier this year.  Under the process, projects will be objectively selected based on regional needs.

Layne added, “There will be no special governor’s list of projects, but rather a strategic transportation program based on selecting the right projects that provide the maximum benefit for limited tax dollars.”

The CTB will work in collaboration with localities to set weights for key factors like congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality. Specific projects will then be screened and selected for funding beginning in July 2016.

“Key priorities in the program approved today and future updates will continue to be improving the existing infrastructure, including rebuilding aging bridges and roads across the state,” said Charlie Kilpatrick, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). 

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Director, Jennifer Mitchell said, “The final program also reflects added funds for rail and transit projects to enhance regional mobility and provide more transportation choices.”

FY 2015-2020 Six-Year Improvement Program breakdown of Allocations:

$9.9 billion – Highway construction

$3.2 billion – Rail and public transportation

$13.1 billion – Total six-year program

Online resources:

CTB presentation of Final Six-Year Improvement Program 

Link

SYIP database

http://syip.virginiadot.org/Pages/allProjects.aspx

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Reforms to P3 Process

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McAuliffe announced that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) passed a resolution to increase transparency and competition and to better evaluate the public’s risk for projects delivered under the Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA).

“Protecting every dollar that Virginia taxpayers send to Richmond is job one for my administration,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Accordingly, I have asked Secretary Layne to work with the CTB to evaluate the state’s approach to public-private partnerships to ensure that we are giving Virginians the maximum return on their investment in those projects. P3’s are a great tool for accomplishing projects that would not otherwise get done, but only when they are negotiated to put Virginians’ best interests first.”

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne added, “While PPTA contracts have made some critical highway projects possible by bringing in private sector equity and innovation, the process needs to be improved to ensure it is used for the right projects and risks are appropriately evaluated and minimized for the public.”

PPTA projects are procured under the Office of Transportation Public Private Partnerships (OTP3).  The CTB’s resolution calls for the following:

·       The OTP3 will strengthen the transparency of the entire public private transportation project development and delivery, including increasing opportunities for public participation and direct involvement by the CTB in project development.

·       The VDOT Commissioner will improve ways to better assess risk with PPTA and design-build projects.  The objective is to identify, minimize and limit the risks to VDOT and the public by highlighting “high risk” projects.

Recommendations to implement the reforms will be presented during the CTB by October 2014.  CTB members William Fralin and Marty Williams will coordinate the review process. 

Link to the resolution:

http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2014/may/reso/Resolution_Agenda_Item_NB_1_.pdf

Governor McAuliffe Names Six Members to Commonwealth Transportation Board

. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that he has named 6 new Virginia business and transportation leaders to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

“Over the past several months, my administration has been working hard make Virginia a leader in the 21st Century Economy, be smart stewards of taxpayer dollars, and build a strong foundation for the next generation to succeed,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Investing every one of our transportation dollars wisely is central to meeting those goals. The bipartisan Virginia business and transportation leaders that I named to the Commonwealth Transportation Board today share my vision for the future of our transportation system, and will get right to work investing our resources in projects that ease congestion, promote economic development and support local communities across the Commonwealth.”

The new members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and their brief bios are below:

Shannon Valentine, Lynchburg

Shannon Valentine is a lecturer, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and advocate for serving the poor through economic opportunity. In January 2014, she completed an assignment as Director for the Transportation Policy Council for Governor McAuliffe’s transition team. During her time in the House of Delegates, 2006-2010, Shannon’s legislative priorities included ethics, economic development, education and transportation. She led the bipartisan, legislative effort to invest in intercity passenger rail service for the first time in Virginia’s history, worked to expand clean energy production, and created the first comprehensive legislative study of autism, which continues to serve as a blueprint today.

Shannon currently serves on the Board of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Lynchburg City School Foundation, E. C. Glass Foundation, Converge Virginia, Habitat for Humanity Advisory Council, and Beacon of Hope, an organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing students for post-secondary education.

Court Rosen, Roanoke

Court Rosen is Vice Mayor of the City of Roanoke and has served on the Roanoke City Council since 2008. He has a deep background in business and public service. He currently serves as a principal with Walnut Creek Development Group, a residential real estate development firm. He has previously held several strategic communications positions on Capitol Hill. Court is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.  

Henry “Hap” Connors, Fredericksburg

Henry (Hap) Connors is Vice President for Government and Public Affairs at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). In this role, Hap oversees corporate communications and outreach to federal, state, and local government officials to increase awareness of CIT’s mission and its economic value to the Commonwealth. Hap has 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications for business, non-profit and government entities. Hap’s background includes management of marketing and media relations activities for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the U.S. General Service Administration. Hap also served for nine years on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, and currently serves on numerous boards of foundations and non-profits in the Fredericksburg area.

James W. Dyke, Jr., Reston

Jim’s broad practice covers corporate, legislative, education, governmental relations, and municipal law. He previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Education under former Governor L. Douglas Wilder, and as domestic policy advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale.

Jim has established a significant regional presence in the business, education and government arenas. He was elected chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade for 2010. The Board of Trade is the largest regional business organization in the Washington, D.C., area, advocating for the business community in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. During his term, he was co-chair of the Joint Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Governance Review Task Force. He was subsequently appointed by Virginia Governor McDonnell to be the Commonwealth’s representative on the WMATA Board of Directors where he chairs the Governance Committee.

E. Scott Kasprowicz, Middleburg

Scott Kasprowicz has an extensive business and public service resume to compliment his substantial philanthropic and private aviation accomplishments. In 1981 Scott founded Texel, a privately held communications services company in Reston which he sold in 1999 after growing revenues in excess $45 million.

Scott, an avid conservationist and environmental impact advocate, later served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under Governor Kaine. While serving as deputy secretary, Scott was influential in numerous planning and development initiatives including the advancement of the Dulles Rail project.

Marty Williams, Richmond

For over twenty years, Marty Williams worked from the inside at both the state and local government levels throughout Virginia. Marty’s public service began in 1990 when he was elected to the Newport News City Council and was twice selected as Vice Mayor by his peers. As member of the Newport News City Council he represented the city on a variety of regional boards and commissions, interacting with local political and administrative leaders across the state. Marty was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 1995, representing the Virginia Peninsula and was named Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee in 1999, where he served until 2007.

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GOVERNOR MCAULIFFE SIGNS INTO LAW THE HAMPTON ROADS TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

I-64 on the Hampton Roads Beltway, north of I-264 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Elected officials representing the Hampton Roads region to make transportation decision and be held accountable for them

Governor Terry McAuliffe signed into law today the establishment of the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commissioner (HTAC).  Comprised of locally elected officials, the commission will have the organizational structure and leadership in place to determine how new regional money - $200 million annually - will be invested in transportation projects.  The new funding is part of the transportation funding package passed by the General Assembly last year.

“Decisions on how transportation projects are financed and delivered must represent the best interests of the residents and communities of the Hampton Roads region,” said McAuliffe.  “In working with Senator Louise Lucas, Senator Frank Wagner and Delegate Chris Jones, we had a common vision for critical transportation decisions to be made at a regional level.  We turned our vision into action by passing a new law that gives local governments the ambitious charge to deliver a transportation system that will benefit the region’s mobility, economy and quality of life. Locally elected officials will now have the challenge to determine what is best for the region.  They will have authority to make important transportation decisions and be held accountable for them.”

The 23-member commission will consist of mayors from local governments, state legislators from the region and area Commonwealth Transportation Board members. Decisions will be based on a two-thirds majority vote of elected officials on the commission, representing at least two-thirds of the region’s population. 

HTAC’s job is to deliver an actionable transportation plan this fall, with construction beginning on the first of the projects in 2016.  High priority projects include Patriots Crossing, Monitor Merrimac Bridge and Tunnel expansion, High-Rise Bridge replacement, Route 460/58/13 Connector, I-64/I-264 Interchange and I-64 widening.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces $4.75 Million Funding For Water Project in Buchanan County

Seal of Buchanan County, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Project will provide public water to 267 households ~

RICHMOND ─ Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) will administer a federal grant totaling $4,750,000 to provide public water to a community in Buchanan County affected by past coal mining practices.  The water project has been selected for construction funding under Virginia’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) FY14 Grant to be released in April 2014.

“I am pleased to announce the funding of the fifth phase of the Hurley Regional Water Project in Buchanan County,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “I commend the initiative taken by the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors to submit the application to bring clean public water to a total of 267 households.”

Hurley Regional Water Project Phase V - Buchanan County Board of Supervisors: The Hurley project represents the fifth phase of construction for the extension of public water service into the Hurley area of Buchanan County, Virginia. The project includes the construction of a water storage tank and a pump station. The funds will also pay for the replacement and upgrade of water lines to make this extension of public water possible and to provide an opportunity for future extensions.

Reclamation fees paid by the coal industry have funded the replacement of over 8500 domestic water supplies that were adversely affected by mining that occurred prior to passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.  In addition to providing needed public water supplies this project also creates a number of construction jobs to stimulate the local economy.

Funding for the DMME’s water supply replacement projects is through reclamation fees paid by the coal industry.

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