Showing posts with label Lynchburg Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lynchburg Virginia. Show all posts

Friday, June 6, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety and Security Task Force

Location in VirginiaLocation in Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran and Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne will co-chair the interagency Railroad Safety and Security Task Force, and that the panel will conduct its first meeting on June 4th, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Virginia State Capitol Building in Senate Room 3.

“This task force is an important step toward ensuring that Virginia is doing everything it can to keep our railroads and the communities around them safe, and that we are prepared to respond to incidents like the derailment and fire in Lynchburg earlier this month,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I have asked Secretaries Moran and Layne to bring our public safety, transportation and environmental protection agencies together to investigate what happened in Lynchburg and make recommendations of how Virginia can work with the federal government to keep our communities and our natural resources as safe as possible.”

The Railroad Safety and Security Task Force will include representatives from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), the State Corporation Commission (SCC), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Virginia State Police (VSP). The task force will solicit input from industry stakeholders, local governments and members of the public and produce a report of recommended state and federal actions to prevent railroad accidents and ensure that Virginia is prepared as possible to keep communities safe in the case of a future incident.

“Last month’s incident in Lynchburg could have been much worse, but local, state and federal responders worked together to keep the public safe and clean up the wreckage as soon as possible,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran. “I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for forming this task force to ensure that every corner of Virginia is as prepared to act in the case of another accident as Lynchburg was, and that we are working with our federal partners to keep another incident like this from happening again.”

Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne continued, “Virginia’s railways are critical to the commerce and trade of the entire nation, and operating them safely should be priority one for the Commonwealth and our federal and industry partners. This task force is our opportunity to increase interagency cooperation, solicit public input and formulate recommendations to keep our railways and adjacent Virginia communities and resources as safe as possible.”

Governor McAuliffe announced his intention to form the Railroad Safety and Security Task Force earlier this month while touring the site of the April 30th train derailment and fire in downtown Lynchburg, VA
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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety

Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014
 (Photo credit: ATOMIC Hot Links)
Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety and Security Task Force

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran and Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne will co-chair the interagency Railroad Safety and Security Task Force, and that the panel will conduct its first meeting on June 4th, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center in Chesterfield.

“This task force is an important step toward ensuring that Virginia is doing everything it can to keep our railroads and the communities around them safe, and that we are prepared to respond to incidents like the derailment and fire in Lynchburg earlier this month,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I have asked Secretaries Moran and Layne to bring our public safety, transportation and environmental protection agencies together to investigate what happened in Lynchburg and make recommendations of how Virginia can work with the federal government to keep our communities and our natural resources as safe as possible.”

The Railroad Safety and Security Task Force will include representatives from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), the State Corporation Commission (SCC), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Virginia State Police (VSP). The task force will solicit input from industry stakeholders, local governments and members of the public and produce a report of recommended state and federal actions to prevent railroad accidents and ensure that Virginia is prepared as possible to keep communities safe in the case of a future incident.

“Last month’s incident in Lynchburg could have been much worse, but local, state and federal responders worked together to keep the public safe and clean up the wreckage as soon as possible,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran. “I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for forming this task force to ensure that every corner of Virginia is as prepared to act in the case of another accident as Lynchburg was, and that we are working with our federal partners to keep another incident like this from happening again.”

Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne continued, “Virginia’s railways are critical to the commerce and trade of the entire nation, and operating them safely should be priority one for the Commonwealth and our federal and industry partners. This task force is our opportunity to increase interagency cooperation, solicit public input and formulate recommendations to keep our railways and adjacent Virginia communities and resources as safe as possible.”

Governor McAuliffe announced his intention to form the Railroad Safety and Security Task Force earlier this month while touring the site of the April 30th train derailment and fire in downtown Lynchburg, VA
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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Railroad Safety and Security Taskforce

English: Looking east along CSX Railroad track...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Taskforce follows Lynchburg Train Derailment ~ 

LYNCHBURG – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the creation of the Commonwealth’s Railroad Safety and Security Taskforce.  The Governor’s announcement follows the April 30th derailment of a CSX freight train carrying crude oil shipped from the Midwest to Yorktown.  The accident occurred in downtown Lynchburg adjacent to the James River.

“The train derailment that occurred on April 30 raises important public safety and health concerns,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “While fortunately no one was hurt, it is critical that we determine the cause of this accident to help better protect Virginia’s families. The Railroad Safety and Security Taskforce will help ensure that the Commonwealth is a national leader in preventing, preparing for, and responding to these types of events.”

Earlier this week, Governor McAuliffe sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx highlighting his support to strengthen federal rules regarding the safety of rail cars carrying crude oil, as well as improved communication between the rail companies, first responders, and community officials.

The Governor’s new taskforce will include state agencies officials and subject matter experts. Members of the taskforce will be responsible for making recommendations—and taking action—to enhance Virginia’s capability to protect lives, property, and the environment along our many rail lines.
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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Lynchburg Train Derailment

Official seal of Lynchburg, Virginia
Official seal of Lynchburg, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s response to the train derailment and fire in Lynchburg, Virginia:

“This afternoon my Public Safety team informed me of the train derailment and fire in Lynchburg. Immediately after those reports were received the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs were instructed to coordinate with local responders and mobilize the resources necessary to respond to this incident.

“Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Adam Thiel has been dispatched to the scene and will provide my team and me with constant updates as this situation unfolds. I have also spoken with Lynchburg Mayor Michael Gillette and offered him any and all resources he needs to respond to this incident and keep Virginians safe.”
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Monday, January 20, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces $21.3 Million Investment in City of Lynchburg

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hanwha Azdel, Inc. to add production line in Virginia facility

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Hanwha Azdel, Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic composites designed for both interior and exterior applications, will invest $21.3 million in its operation in the City of Lynchburg.  The facility produces Light-Weight Reinforced Thermoplastic composites, and with this expansion the company will add an additional production line. Virginia successfully competed against Alabama, Indiana and Michigan for the project, which will create 33 new jobs.
 “The expansion of this Virginia-headquartered company is a great win for the City of Lynchburg and for the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Hanwha Azdel’s investment to add a new manufacturing line at this facility speaks volumes about its success and growing product demand, as well as the strength of our business environment and workforce here in Virginia.”
Hanwha Azdel, Inc., headquartered in Lynchburg, serves a number of major economic segments including automotive, heavy truck, recreational vehicles, industrial and other transportation applications. Hanwha Azdel, Inc. is an affiliate of Hanwha Living & Creative (L&C) Corporation, which is a company of Hanwha Group, a major Korean company with 50,000 employees worldwide.

Mr. Justin Keum, CEO of Hanwha Azdel, Inc., commented, “Hanwha Azdel is proud to select Lynchburg, Virginia as the site for our next expansion.  The overwhelming support we received from the Governor’s office and the City of Lynchburg, along with the skilled workforce and excellent standard of living in the Commonwealth, were key factors contributing to our decision.  Hanwha Azdel has experienced significant growth and success in Virginia and we are confident that our decision to expand in the Commonwealth will continue to drive our growth and innovation.” 

Hanwha Group, founded in 1952, is one of the largest business enterprises in South Korea with 52 domestic affiliates and 90 global networks in three major sectors: manufacturing and construction, finance, and services and leisure. With a 60-year track record of industrial leadership, Hanwha’s manufacturing and construction businesses encompass a broad range of fields from basic chemicals and advanced materials, to property development and total solar energy solutions. The finance network, covering banking, insurance, asset management and securities, is the second largest non-bank finance group in South Korea. The services and leisure sector offers premium lifestyle services with retail and resort businesses. For more information, visit: www.hanwha.com

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg to secure the project for Virginia. Former Governor Bob McDonnell approved a $350,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Lynchburg with the project. The company may be eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“It is exciting to support the expansion of a long-standing Lynchburg manufacturer and assist in the creation of these new jobs. The City of Lynchburg remains committed to attracting, retaining, and expanding a diverse set of businesses to support and grow the Lynchburg economy,”
said City of Lynchburg Mayor Mike Gillette.

“I am so pleased that Hanwha Azdel, Inc. has chosen the City of Lynchburg to expand its thermoplastic composite operations,” said Lynchburg Economic Development Chair, Mike Lucado. “This investment in jobs and equipment further strengthens Lynchburg's position in the plastics industry. As Hanwha Azdel has shown its commitment to investment and growth, the Lynchburg Economic Development Authority is pleased to show our commitment to growing business, and we look forward to many more years of partnership."
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces $26.3 Million Investment in City of Lynchburg and Campbell County

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
AREVA Inc. to Upgrade Operations with Highly Advanced Equipment; Company Will Designate Facilities as its “Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services in North America

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that AREVA Inc., a leading nuclear energy company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., will invest $26.3 million in its operations in the City of Lynchburg and Campbell County.  The company will invest in highly advanced machinery and equipment to enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities and elevate its competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. 

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project is truly transformational for the future of AREVA Inc.’s operations in the City of Lynchburg and Campbell County. The company employs nearly 2,000 Virginians in a variety of high-skilled positions, and an investment of this magnitude secures the long-term viability of the plants as Research & Development capabilities and advanced manufacturing are significantly enhanced. The designation of AREVA’s Lynchburg and Campbell County facilities as the company’s Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services in North America is an incredible testament to the success and continued potential of these operations.”

            “AREVA Inc. and its U.S. subsidiaries form the number one supplier of nuclear energy products and services in the nation, and we are proud that the company’s operations in Lynchburg and Campbell County are of the highest caliber to be designated as AREVA’s Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services in North America,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This investment of more than $26 million will add high-tech equipment and machinery to enhance each facility to state-of-the-art quality, and elevate AREVA’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.”

            “Our new Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services in North America will give us the competitive and innovative edge we seek that will enable us to proactively identify customer needs and better provide safe, accurate and affordable holistic solutions,” said Mike Rencheck, president and CEO of AREVA Inc.  “The location of this world –class operation will better position us to continue driving the daily nuclear energy renewal, which is ensuring safe, round-the-clock power, and is critical to tomorrow’s supply of clean energy.”

            AREVA provides its customers with solutions for low-carbon power generation in North America and all over the world. As the leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector, AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. Sustainable development is a core component of AREVA’s strategy. Its nearly 5,000 U.S. and Canadian employees work every day to make AREVA a responsible industrial player helping to supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical energy to the greatest number of people. Learn more athttp://us.areva.com or follow on Twitter: @AREVAinc.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg and Campbell County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $350,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.

“AREVA’s Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services in North America is not only a major capital investment but a major milestone in establishing Lynchburg as an economic leader in the energy and engineering industries,” said City of Lynchburg Mayor Mike Gillette. “The City of Lynchburg is proud to have AREVA--a global leader in energy and engineering--as a cornerstone of our growing economy. AREVA’s ongoing commitment to investment and growth here is evidence that the Lynchburg region is competitive in the advanced products and services of the new economy.”

           “AREVA continues to be a core business for Lynchburg and an integral part of the region’s economy,” said Mike Lucado, City of Lynchburg Economic Development Authority Chair. “As a worldwide leader in the nuclear power industry, their expansion here further demonstrates that Lynchburg's efforts to attract, retain and promote business growth are having a positive result. We congratulate AREVA and look forward to their presence for years to come.”

            “We are delighted to hear of another expansion for AREVA,” stated Eddie Gunter, Chairman of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors. “It was just April of 2012 when AREVA announced the expansion of its U.S. Technical Center on Mt. Athos Road. This latest expansion and the roll out of the Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services comes as great news for Campbell County and the Lynchburg region.”
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Friday, September 20, 2013

Eight Teachers in the Running for 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at...
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Commonwealth’s Top Teacher to be Named Next Month

RICHMOND – Eight educators learned of their selection today as 2014 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year during surprise classroom visits and announcements made by their division superintendents.

            “These teachers, from schools in every corner of the Commonwealth, are committed to excellence and the success of their students,” Governor Bob McDonnell said.  “I congratulate them for their selection as regional teachers of the year and thank them for what they do every day to prepare young Virginians for the future.”

            “The eight being recognized today exemplify what is best in Virginia’s public school teachers,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright. “Each encourages, motivates and challenges his or her students to meet higher expectations in the classroom in order to achieve academic success and to be prepared for the future.”

            The 2014 Regional Teachers of the Year announced are as follows:

·         Tracey Zaval, an eighth-grade civics and economics teacher at Midlothian Middle in Chesterfield County (Region 1)
·         Carrie E. Gantt, an 11th- and 12th-grade English teacher and Teachers forTomorrow instructor at Princess Anne High in Virginia Beach (Region 2)
·         Tara J. Hefner, a second-grade teacher at Courtland Elementary in Spotsylvania County (Region 3)
·         Melissa A. Porfirio, a first-grade teacher at Crestwood Elementary in Fairfax County (Region 4)
·         Jennifer B. Lovett, a reading specialist at Linkhorne Elementary in Lynchburg (Region 5)
·         Byard W. “Trey” Harris III, a music teacher and band director at Bassett High in Henry County (Region 6)
·         Tina H. Cook, a computer technology teacher at Chilhowie Middle in Smyth County (Region 7)
·         Shawnta L. Posey-James, an Earth science teacher at Greensville County High in Greensville County (Region 8)

            The teachers were selected from among candidates nominated by school divisions in each of the state’s eight superintendents’ regions. The candidates submitted portfolios highlighting their accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities. A panel, including classroom teachers, representatives of professional and educational associations, the business community and 2013 Virginia Teacher of the Year Kathryn B. Galford of Chesapeake reviewed the portfolios and selected the eight regional teachers of the year.

            The panel will interview each of the eight teachers next month to select the 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The decision will be announced during an awards ceremony to be held October 11 in Richmond.

            The 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year will be the commonwealth’s nominee in the National Teacher of the Year Program. The recognition is given by the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the University of Phoenix and People to People Ambassador Programs, and sponsored by the ING Foundation and Target. Two previous Virginia teachers — B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year — went on to be named as a National Teacher of the Year.


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