Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Announces $20 Million to Improve Energy Efficiency in Virginia

~ VirginiaSAVES will facilitate low interest loans for approved projects ~

RICHMOND ─ Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today the launch of VirginiaSAVES, the Commonwealth’s first Green Community Program.  VirginiaSAVES is a loan program created to lower financing costs for energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and alternative fuel projects. This low-cost financing tool will be available to local government, institutional and commercial and industrial entities in the Commonwealth.  VirginiaSAVES will be funded through $20 million in federally-allocated Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs). (Your tax dollars)
   
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Providing the public and private sectors with the tools they need to reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs is critical for building a new Virginia economy.  VirginiaSAVES encourages investments that will save money, improve energy security, reduce Virginia’s dependence on federal spending and attract new jobs and advanced energy industries.”

“One of our best economic development strategies is to catalyze strategic growth in the energy sector,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “VirginiaSAVES will help businesses and localities save money while creating jobs in high growth industries focused on renewable development and energy efficiency.” 

Developed by the Division of Energy of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, VirginiaSAVES (which stands for Sustainable and Verifiable Energy Savings) is administered by Clean Source Capital and Abundant Power Group. The program is funded through Virginia’s allocation of QECBs.  The QECBs were allocated to Virginia in 2010 by the Federal Department of Energy and re-authorized for use by Governor McAuliffe in 2014 under Executive Order 36.   As the program grows, additional funding may be added as needed.

Those interested in applying for a loan through the VirginiaSAVES Green Community Program can visit the program’s website (http://www.vasavesgcp.com)for borrower eligibility and project selection criteria, service provider registration forms and other program documents and information.

About CleanSource Capital
CleanSource Capital, LLC – CleanSource, based in Charlotte, NC, is the administrator of the Program and is the affiliate formed by Abundant Power Group to administer and grow its SAVES platform using alternative forms of specialized financing as well as provide specialty finance solutions and advisory services in the energy efficiency industry.

Abundant Power Group, LLC (www.AbundantPower.com) – Abundant Power, based in Charlotte, NC, is an energy management services company providing financial and technology solutions for the built environment ecosystem.  Abundant brings expertise in finance, engineering, building science, technology and real estate to each of its programs.

(Our own proposals for lowering the amount of energy we use?  Get rid of big government and big business.  Easy solution.  Now the arguments can begin.)

Thursday, November 20, 2014

October 2014 General Fund Revenue Collections Up

October 2014 General Fund Revenue Collections Up 4.4% From The Previous Year And Fiscal-Year-To-Date Collections up 6.1%

~ All Major Sources Accounted for the Gain ~

RICHMOND - Governor McAuliffe announced that General Fund revenue increased 4.4% from the previous year with all major sources contributing to the increase. October is not a significant month in terms of general fund revenue collection but regular monthly collections are due in withholding, sales taxes, and most minor sources. Corporate and individual income tax extension return processing begins in October as corporate extension returns are due October 15 and individual extension returns are due November 1.  

In speaking about the revenue collections, Governor McAuliffe said, “We have been blessed with good revenue performance since the beginning of this fiscal year. While I welcome this trend, I remain cautiously optimistic as much uncertainty still exists. Our continued efforts to diversify and to build a new Virginia economy are vital to our ongoing financial health and they constitute the proper course to improve the long term performance of the Virginia economy.”

On a fiscal year-to-date basis, total revenue collections rose 6.1%, well ahead of the revised annual forecast of 2.9% growth. The main drivers of the revenue increase were the individual income tax, the corporate income tax, and sales tax.

With one less deposit day compared with last year, collections of payroll withholding taxes rose 3.4% in October.  October is not a significant month for collections in nonwithholding, however collections rose 12.5% in October from last year. Collections of sales and use taxes, reflecting September sales, rose 1.8% in October.  October corporate income tax collections include estimated payments from corporations with a February through January fiscal year, including many retailers. Collections of corporate income taxes were down $11.8 million in October, which compares favorably with receipts of negative $17.2 million in October of last year. Finally, collections of wills, suits, deeds, and contracts – mainly recordation tax collections – were $28.9 million in October, compared with $26.4 million in October of last year for growth of 9.5%. Following 13 consecutive months of negative growth, October marked the second consecutive monthly increase in this source.

On a year-to-date basis, collections of payroll withholding taxes – 64% of General Fund revenues -- increased 5.5%, ahead of the revised annual forecast of 2.7% growth. Year-to-date nonwithholding collections increased by 14.2% and ahead of the annual estimate of 6.3% growth. Sales tax collections – 19% of General Fund revenues – increased 3.8% through October, ahead of the annual forecast calling for a 4.4% increase. Through the first four months of the fiscal year, corporate income tax collections have grown 16.6% from the same period last year, ahead of the annual estimate of a 0.9% decline.


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 51 New Jobs in Carroll County

English: 15 foot replica of a Holstein Cow rep...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Andrews Farming Inc. and ANDCO Logistics, Inc. to invest more than $5.6 million to expand operation ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Andrews Farming Inc. and its sister company, ANDCO Logistics, Inc., will invest more than $5.6 million to expand their agricultural production, warehousing and distribution operation in Carroll County. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 51 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Andrews Farming is a homegrown, family-operated company that was established in 1975 by Mr. Keith Andrews, who operated out of an old International pickup. From that point, the business has grown in Southwest Virginia for the past 40 years to serve a multi-state market. Carroll County offers Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics a strong grouping of agricultural entities that can work together to grow this important sector in the region. The available facility in the Carroll County Industrial Park and close proximity to the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market, along with a deep-rooted history in agriculture, makes Carroll County an ideal location for the corporate move. Virginia’s agriculture industry has a tremendous economic impact, and Andrews Farming is an important contributor. ANDCO Logistics will handle long-haul shipping of agricultural products, and we look forward to the far-reaching benefits of this expanded operation in Carroll County.”

“It is always cause for celebration when a strong, established Virginia company chooses to expand within the Commonwealth,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade and member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “Carroll County is a great fit for Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics, offering an agricultural industry cluster and the natural resources and infrastructure on which Andrews Farming has come to depend over the last decades. The new facility will also allow the company to meet increased production demand and provide fresh produce to its customers up and down the East Coast, simultaneously benefitting local farmers in Southwest Virginia.”

Andrews Farming’s team has been built around three principles—honesty, quality and dedication. Every member of management and employees strive to make sure the best product possible is shipped daily. These principles were the seeds planted by Keith Andrews’ grandfather, Mr. Bob Branscome, who farmed and sold produce for a living since 1914. The principles instilled in Keith by his grandfather are still present in the ongoing growth of Andrews Farming, and will be the cornerstone of ANDCO Logistics.

            “Andrews Farming and ANDCO Logistics appreciate what Carroll County has done to land our operation. The Tobacco Commission, Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, the aCorridor, Virginia Jobs Investment Program, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership have stepped up to the plate and assisted in overcoming obstacles at every turn,” said Mr. Keith Andrews, President/ CEO of both Andrews Farming Inc. and its sister company, ANDCO Logistics, Inc. “Carroll County is investing in the agricultural industry as a community, and we see this non-traditional philosophy as a major magnet for us and other food-related operations in the future. It is extremely impressive to know that Carroll County has the first STEM Lab dedicated to agriculture in the nation, and, in reality, this investment provided the tipping point for us to grow our business in Carroll County, along with access to I-77, the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market and proximity to the new Wildwood Commerce Park.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County, the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, and Virginia’s aCorridor to help secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $225,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

David Hutchins, Chairman of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, said, “We are elated to have Andrews Farming and ANDCO join in a partnership with Carroll County to grow our economy. The new operation in Carroll County will add to our current agriculture sector focus and assist in many untold ways. This is also a day of celebration because the Carroll County Industrial Park and Exit 14 quadrant is now 100% full. Today is a monumental day in Carroll County as we move our full focus toward the Wildwood Commerce Park.” 

Barry Hicks, Chairman of the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), said, “The announcement today is a wonderful example of Carroll County investing in the strong sector of agriculture and having an almost immediate return on the investment. The STEM Lab for Agriculture is assisting in gaining jobs today while preparing students for the workforce needs of the future. It is great to see the school system providing a direct connection to economic development and the attraction of business to Carroll County. We are certainly blessed today with these announcements as we see the economic skies opening up in Carroll because of the dedicated work of many individuals, groups and organizations.”


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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Improvements to Commonwealth Hurricane Preparedness

English: Hurricane evacuation route sign in th...
English: Hurricane evacuation route sign in the USA  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hurricane evacuation timeline adjusted to allow officials more time to make decisions and carry out emergency plans

RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe released a report today outlining improvements to Virginia’s hurricane preparedness plan, including an adjustment to the evacuation decision-making timeline. The hurricane in-season review, led by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation, focused on five critical areas: coordination and information-sharing between state and local emergency officials, evacuation of impacted areas, sheltering evacuees, assistance to those with access and functional needs or without transportation, and communicating with the public. 

“Building a New Virginia Economy begins with having the plan and the infrastructure in place to keep our families, communities and businesses safe in an emergency like a hurricane,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This review demonstrates that we have many strengths when it comes to hurricane preparedness, but also a number of challenges that we must meet head on.

“My administration will enact the recommendations of this report to strengthen our response plan so that we can get localities, first responders and Virginia families the tools they need to respond to an emergency and get back to their lives as soon as possible.”

The revised hurricane evacuation decision-making timeline includes the following key actions prior to the onset of tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph):
·       -96 hours – Initiate deployment of state resources for evacuation activities
·       -72 hours – Recommend first call by the governor with chief local elected officials concerning evacuation plans and activities (previously occurred at the -48 hour mark)
·       -48 hours – Recommend start of mandatory evacuation for a Category 3 hurricane (previously occurred at the -38 hours mark)

“While this change may provide up to an additional 12 hours for deciding evacuation issues, it depends on a clearly defined storm track and intensity analysis several days before landfall,” said Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator Jeff Stern. “Last July, Hurricane Arthur rapidly increased from a tropical storm to a Category 2 hurricane only 14 hours prior to landfall in North Carolina, which would have left little time to evacuate a large coastal population like Hampton Roads prior to the storm’s arrival if one had been needed.”

Last May, the Governor directed cabinet secretaries and state agencies responsible for carrying out a hurricane evacuation to work with their local and federal partners to identify potential short- and long-term improvements to existing plans. The following are some of the key findings of the in-season review:

·       Coordination and information-sharing between state and local emergency officials has been inconsistent. Identified areas for improvement include standardization of conference calls, use of technology for information exchange, deployment of liaison officers in local emergency operations centers and continued development of a regional approach to disasters in Hampton Roads.
·       A mass evacuation of Hampton Roads may not be necessary if areas at risk are prioritized and communicated to the public early. This allows those in higher-risk areas enough time to get to a safe location.
·       Virginia and the Hampton Roads region should emphasize focused evacuations. New information technology will enable better planning for the most critical areas.
·       The reversal of lanes on Interstate 64 is an evacuation tool of last resort and is reserved for the most catastrophic storms.
·       Future transportation projects should consider capacity improvements to facilitate evacuations.
·       Additional shelter capacity is needed for those seeking refuge within the Hampton Roads region that is capable of withstanding storm winds.
·       Building codes have not adequately addressed the requirements for storm wind protection.
·       Plans are in place to contract with bus services to evacuate individuals with access and functional needs and those without transportation, but these efforts are fragmented between different jurisdictions and levels of government.
·       Progress has been made to communicate regional preparedness information to the public through Ready Hampton Roads, but a more robust public messaging effort will be needed as changes are made to evacuation planning and sheltering, and also when communicating with summer tourists.
·       Future state exercises should focus on how local, state and federal partners respond after the disaster; addressing issues such as intermediate and long-term housing, economic recovery, infrastructure rebuilding and communications.

A full copy of the in-season hurricane review report can be found at www.vaemergency.gov.




Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources Announce Economic Benefits of Atlantic Coast Pipeline to Virginia

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND -  At a press conference in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources CEO Tom Farrell and Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas, announced the considerable economic benefits that the proposed Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline will bring to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In an earlier press release today, Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

A study by the independent firm Chmura Economics and Analytics found that the pipeline’s construction would:
·       Produce approximately $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth.
·       Support more than 8,800 new Virginia jobs, including nearly 5,000 directly supported by spending on construction activities.
·       Generate more than $14.6 million in additional tax revenues for the Commonwealth, including individual income and corporate tax revenues.
·       Once construction is complete, the pipeline would generate a total of 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity, support a total of 188 jobs annually and produce more than $233,000 in additional state tax revenue.
“This project is a game changer for Virginia’s economy, and the benefits will be both immediate and long-lasting,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In addition to the thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity that the construction of this project will create, the Atlantic Coast pipeline will lower energy costs for Virginia residents and businesses and help reduce carbon emissions in our state and region.

“This project will also help make Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic by enabling us to recruit job creating companies that rely on natural gas. I am proud to have been a part of the team helping Dominion and AGL win this competitive project and I look forward to working with them to leverage this enormous asset as we build a new Virginia economy.”

Joining Governor McAuliffe at today’s press conference were representatives from Dominion Resources and AGL Resources, who will oversee the pipeline’s construction and operation in Virginia.

Dominion Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Farrell II said, “Dominion welcomes the opportunity to partner with three other leading energy companies to improve energy reliability and promote economic development throughout Virginia and the entire three-state region."

Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas added, "This project brings American, abundant, and affordable natural gas to the US460 corridor and Hampton Roads, and will serve as a backbone for economic expansion."

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline will be a huge asset to Governor McAuliffe and his team as they work to create jobs and build a new Virginia economy.

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said, “One of the primary pillars of economic development for the New Virginia Economy is best in class energy infrastructure, sustaining access to diverse sources of energy at the most competitive prices. Today's announcement is exactly what's needed to keep Virginia's economy healthy and growing."

For more information on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline view the Dominion Resources news release available here.


Monday, August 18, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 25 New Jobs in Grayson County

Seal of Grayson County, Virginia
Seal of Grayson County, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Hansen Turbine to invest $2.5 million to expand manufacturing operation ~

RICHMOND – Hansen Turbine, a manufacturer of coating spray applications for the aircraft and turbine parts coating industry, will invest $2.5 million to expand operations in Grayson County. Sister company Falcon Turbine will relocate from North Carolina to the facility, providingspecialized aluminized coatings. The project will create 25 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Hansen Turbine has been a valued employer in Grayson County for more than six years, and the addition of Falcon Turbine to the operation is tremendous for an economically distressed community. The combined facility will increase efficiency and enable completion of the final product, from manufacturing to finishing, in one location. This quality company is a great component of Virginia’s thriving turbine components manufacturing sector, and as it expands will continue to help diversify the industrial base in the region. As my team and I work to build a new, stronger and more innovative Virginia economy, cutting edge aerospace companies like these will be at the center of our efforts. We welcome Falcon Turbine to Grayson County, and celebrate the addition of 25 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage.”

“Hansen Turbine is a strong corporate partner to Grayson County, and, combined with Falcon Turbine, we are confident that the expanded operation will be even stronger,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This project is a great result of efforts to support existing businesses in Southwest Virginia, and we look forward to the company’s future growth and success in the years to come.”

Hansen Turbine is a privately owned company specializing in turbine component manufacturing and coating.  The people who manage and do the work have a long history in the turbine industry. The company’s mission is reliability. Hansen works hard to meet expectations in quality, service, delivery, cost and communication. They continuously refine their procedures, processes and tools.
Falcon Turbine provides specialized smooth cold and diffused aluminized coatings to the power generation and other industries.  They also offer a near “chrome-free” alternative coating that significantly reduces environmental impact without sacrificing performance. The Falcon management, quality assurance and engineering team have in excess of 40 combined years in the aircraft and turbine parts coating industry.
“On behalf of the employees and customers of Falcon Turbine and Hansen Turbine, we thank Governor Terry McAuliffe and his staff, as well as County Administrator Jonathan Sweet and his staff, for the work that went into this project,” said Helmar Nielsen, Owner and President, Hansen/Falcon Turbine, Inc. “Bringing Falcon and Hansen together in Virginia creates a level of efficiency both for our companies and for our customers. It will allow us to cross train and raise the level of competency of our employees in high-tech machining and equally high-tech coating. Virginia is a great state in which to do business, and we commend the Governor and our county leaders for their economic vision and a balanced approach to private and public enterprise.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Grayson County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $105,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“We are excited to have effectively competed for and secured Falcon Turbines’ relocation and expansion project to Grayson County, and the assistance we received from the Commonwealth was key to our success,” said John K. Brewer, Chairman, Grayson County Board of Supervisors. “We feel the company’s strategic decision to co-locate their finishing operations within Hansen Turbines’ manufacturing facility will benefit both companies and provide them both greater stability and increased opportunity for future growth.”   

"On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, I am excited to welcome Falcon Turbine to Southwest Virginia and congratulate them on their relocation and expansion,” said Senator Bill Carrico, a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and Senate District Representative. “This project positions this company to become an instant force in our region by adding 25 net-new jobs for Grayson County with a capital investment of $2.5 million. This announcement is another positive sign for our local economy and a product of hard work by everyone involved in the project."
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Since the beginning of the McAuliffe Administration, 155 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia that will create over 13,281 jobs and $4.25 billion in capital investment.