Showing posts with label Sean Connaughton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sean Connaughton. Show all posts

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Results of Regulatory Reform Initiative

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Repealed 848 Sections of the Virginia Administrative Code; Streamlined an Additional 678 Sections Resulting in Freer, Fairer System and Savings for Tax Payers
Full Report Available Online Here

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the results of his Regulatory Reform Initiative (“RRI”).  The RRI consisted of a comprehensive review of regulations currently in place, and has resulted in the repeal of regulations that are unnecessary or no longer in use, the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burdens on individuals, businesses, and other regulated groups, and the identification of statutes that require unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations.

            As a result of the RRI, 167 regulatory actions have been filed, 848 sections of the Virginia Administrative Code have been repealed, and 678 sections have been reformed or streamlined. Included in the reforms are substantial cost savings to taxpayers in the form of reductions of fees, removal of excessive licensing procedures, and arduous permitting processes. Citizens, stakeholders, and twenty nine different agencies submitted reform recommendations. The RRI efforts were coordinated through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website (townhall.virginia.gov) by the Economic and Regulatory Analysis Division of the Department of Planning and Budget.   

he RRI is an extension of Governor McDonnell’s efforts as Attorney General to eliminate unnecessary and onerous regulations through his Task Force on Regulatory and Government Reform.

            Speaking about the RRI, Governor McDonnell said, “Good governance means in fostering an environment where citizens and business can thrive. By streamlining confusing code and eliminating unnecessary regulations we are making smart reforms that ensure that government works for the citizens.  I applaud the work accomplished by the agencies who participated in the RRI for their efforts to make Virginia freer and fairer.  Not only did agencies work diligently on identifying reforms, but we took an innovative approach and allowed the citizens and stakeholders to submit recommendations through our website.  Working together we helped taxpayers keep more of their hard earned money by reducing fees, we’ve streamlined regulations, and permitting processes; all of which contributed to Forbes.com naming Virginia the ‘Top State for Business’ in the nation”. 

            The initiative resulted in hundreds of reforms, some examples of these reforms include:

  • The Virginia Waste Management Board took action to provide relief from a burdensome permit amendment fee for solid waste landfills that are undergoing corrective action. It was charging landfill sites a fee of $22,860, but streamlining efforts within the corrective action program have reduced costs. These efforts allowed the board to decrease the fee to $3,000, a reduction of 87 percent.

  • The Board of Medicine provided a one-time reduction in renewal fees for family physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, respiratory care practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists, radiologic technologists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, and midwives.

  • A change in permitting procedures will reduce costs ($7,000 per facility) for entities such as some electricity generators, paper manufacturers, and landfills, without affecting the environment. 

  • Manufacturers outside of Virginia have been taking advantage of costs subsidized by Virginia taxpayers for “street drug preparations” (bath salts for example) during forensic testing. The proposed changes would allow the Department of Forensic Science to charge the actual costs of the “street drug preparations” used in the forensic evaluation process, saving Virginia taxpayers thousands of dollars.
 The full report can be viewed and downloaded here.

            Regulatory changes that are not exempt from the Administrative Process Act involved executive branch review by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Planning and Budget DPB, the appropriate Cabinet Secretary, and the Governor in accordance with the requirements of the APA and EO 14.  Recommendations that have not completed this regulatory process will continue until finalized.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, December 20, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Banner Year for Transportation in the Commonwealth

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
More than $2.5 billion worth of projects advertised in 2013

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has advertised an historic amount of transportation projects, more than $2.5 billion worth, in 2013. This includes the estimated cost for engineering, construction and pavement projects, including pavement rehabilitation, across the state. 

“Earlier this year, VDOT made the commitment to advertise more than $2 billion worth of projects this year,” said Governor McDonnell. “I am happy to report they will make good on this promise. More than $2.5 billion of projects have been advertised in calendar year 2013. Our investment in building and maintaining our infrastructure network is of utmost importance to the citizens of Virginia and we are keeping our commitments to them.  The Commonwealth is able to move aggressively ahead on projects because of the bipartisan effort to approve historic transportation funding earlier this year.  Our 2013 transportation bill represents the largest infusion of transportation funding in Virginia more than 25 years and will help create a safe, efficient and reliable transportation system throughout Virginia, while creating thousands of good jobs at the same time, and growing our economy.”

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “Our citizens will see more crews on the highways working to build and enhance the transportation network they deserve; one that is safe, reliable, and contemporary and that will efficiently move them through the Commonwealth. This historic amount of advertised work is proof that this new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill has enhanced VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and improve the condition of our roads.”

“The funding is being put to work now to improve and rehabilitate aging roads and bridges and to increase capacity, which will enhance safety and ease congestion,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “VDOT worked diligently to get an incredible amount of projects advertised this year so Virginia’s transportation network can move traffic more efficiently, improving the quality of life for all of us.”

Of the more than $2.5 billion, about $545 million will go toward repaving roads and pavement rehabilitation, making the existing infrastructure safer and better to drive on.  The remainder will go toward increasing capacity and other construction.  The amount also covers engineering, which gets projects ready for construction.  
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Private Sector Interest to Develop Innovative Solutions for I-66 Corridor in Northern Virginia

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Nineteen Firms Worldwide Offer Solutions

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the commonwealth in late June. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket. 

“The RFI is part of the Commonwealth’s plan to transform I-66 from a highly congested corridor to a multi-modal transportation facility that moves traffic and people more efficiently,” said Governor McDonnell.

The RFI was released by the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnership, the Virginia (OTP3) Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “The Commonwealth has asked for the best and brightest ideas from both the public and private sectors and that resulting synergy will provide the most effective solutions to ease congestion and improve travel on I-66.”

The RFI sought private sector input on a range of best practices and innovative approaches to develop and finance transportation improvements on a 25-mile section of I-66 from U.S. Route 15 in Prince William County to I-495 in Fairfax County. Improvements under consideration could add additional capacity to the road, provide multi-modal options and possibly finance the project through tolled express lanes, similar to the 495 Express Lanes.

Responses to the RFI follow a recent project milestone by the Federal Highway Administration, in which it issued a Record of Decision on the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement study of I-66, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final 10 concepts for detailed analysis.  These concepts would increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Early next year, the CTB will consider the RFI responses when advancing the I-66 study to next phase in the environmental review process.

“Collaborative efforts between VDOT’s Environmental Division and the OTP3 to gather and concurrently process information such as traffic projections, geotechnical data, as well as identify other key risk factors will ensure recommendations are provided to decision makers in an expedited timeframe,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. 

The following private sector firms provided responses to the RFI, which are available on line:
1.      1 Abertis USA Corp
2.      Acciona Concessions Canada Inc.
3.      ACS Infrastructure Development and Dragados USA
4.      AECOM
5.      Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation
6.      Cintra and Ferrovial Agroman
7.      Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Shirley Contracting Company, Clark Construction Group, and Dewberry Consultants
8.      Fluor Enterprises, Inc.
9.      HOCHTIEF and Flatiron
10.  Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and Kiewit Development Company
11.  Lane Construction Corporation
12.  Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.
13.  Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation
14.  OHL Infrastructure, Inc.
15.  Shikun & Binui Ltd. (a member of the Arison Group)
16.  Skanska AB
17.  SNC-Lavalin Inc.
18.  Transurban
19.  Vinci Concessions USA

For more information:  
I-66 RFI responses

I-66 Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study

I-66 Project Page
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Governor McDonnell to Host Statewide Transportation Conference “Road to the Future”

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Conference will showcase Virginia’s Transportation Agencies and Programs

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that he will host the 2013 Governor’s Transportation Conference, themed “Road to the Future,” on December 4 – 6.  The conference, which will highlight Virginia’s continued move towards improvements and expansion of the Commonwealth’s multi-modal transportation system, will be held at the Richmond Convention Center.  Governor McDonnell will address attendees at the opening session of the conference on Wednesday, December 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Speaking about the conference, Governor McDonnell said, “After 27 years of waiting Virginia finally has a long-term, sustainable transportation funding solution and every corner of the Commonwealth is starting to reap the benefits of safer roads, shorter commutes and increased access to public transportation. Because of bipartisan cooperation the world-class transportation network that Virginians deserve is under construction. This conference will serve as a tremendous opportunity to share innovative ideas and creative solutions that will move Virginia forward.”

Governor McDonnell will be joined by Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton and legislative, transportation industry, and government leaders for this annual forum to discuss Virginia’s transportation projects and programs, as well as upcoming transportation trends and legislative initiatives.

The conference will feature sessions on:
·         Safety, Innovation, Technology and Local Partnership
·         Changing Attitudes Towards Vehicle Ownership: Impact on Transportation Policy
·         Moving Goods and People
·         Discover DMV: A Service Revolution
·         Technology and Transportation, the Future is Now
·         Virginia’s P3’s: Past, Present and Future
·         Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): Building Transportation Consensus

“All agencies in the Commonwealth are committed to continue to develop Virginia as a transportation leader,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton. “The conference showcases projects and ideas that move us towards that goal, thereby creating jobs, improving the economy and making transportation options easier and safer for Virginians.”

The full agenda and other conference details can be found athttp://vatranscon.com/.   
Enhanced by Zemanta

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Tier 1 EIS approved by Feds; Commonwealth Transportation Board to select one or more concepts next month

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the first step in making major improvements to one of the most congested corridors in the Commonwealth has been approved. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a record of decision on the 25-mile Tier 1 environmental impact statement (EIS) study of Interstate 66 from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final ten concepts for detailed analysis.

“Today’s approval of the I-66 Tier 1 EIS gives us the green light to move forward with finding the best short and long-term solutions,” said Governor McDonnell. “I-66 drivers sit in frustrating stop-and-go traffic on a daily basis with unpredictable travel times and few alternate options.  Getting I-66 moving again has been one of our top priorities, and I am pleased that we have reached this milestone.”

Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) identified 10 concepts to increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Concepts include adding general purpose lanes, constructing managed lanes (similar to the 495 Express Lanes and the future 95 Express Lanes), extending Metrorail and/or VRE, constructing light rail and/or bus rapid transit, improving chokepoints, intermodal connectivity, and safety and  intelligent transportation system enhancements.

“Advancing I-66 improvements is critical to the quality of life for commuters,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “The Commonwealth is working aggressively to provide better travel options in a heavily congested area so commuters can save time and cost.”

The CTB will select one or more of the concepts for study and VDOT will begin the Tier 2 analysis this spring and will complete it within two years.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure an open and transparent process,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley.

“I-66 improvements are critical to providing a better transportation facility for all commuters and travelers,” said DPRT Director Thelma Drake.  “The Commonwealth will continue to explore a wide range of options, including rail improvements.”

Public meetings were held in June 2011, and January and February of 2012. VDOT and DRPT hosted public hearings on Tier 1 Draft in March 2013.

More information on the study is available in the link below:http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/northernvirginia/i66_eis.asp
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, November 22, 2013

U.S. Air Force Successfully Launches The ORS-3 Mission to Orbit from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia

English: The integrated NuSTAR observatory, in...
English: The integrated NuSTAR observatory, including the instrument and spacecraft, at Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) in Dulles, Virginia on June 29, 2011. The observatory is being prepared for environmental testing, including testing in a thermal vacuum chamber and vibration testing. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell tonight congratulated the Department of Defense and Orbital Sciences Corporation on launch of the ORS-3 Mission from Virginia’s spaceport, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), at Wallops Island, Virginia. The launch took place at 8:15 p.m. on November 19, 2013, from MARS Pad 0B.

Speaking about the launch, Governor McDonnell said, “Virginia is honored to have played a role in another successful launch. I commend the Department of Defense and the Orbital Sciences Corporation for their efforts. The Commonwealth stands ready to continue its support of future missions.”

The Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Sean Connaughton, said, “Virginia continues to strongly support the aerospace industry and is proud to have played a key role in launching this important mission for the Nation.”

Dale Nash is the Executive Director of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, or ‘Virginia Space,’ which owns and operates MARS.  After launch, from the Range Control Center on Wallops, Dale commented, “Virginia Space is proud to be part of the ORS-3 team.  This was the 6th Minotaur launched from MARS, and the 2nd Minotaur that we’ve launched in just over two months.  I am pleased with the exceptional performance of the MARS personnel and facilities.”

29 total satellites were launched in the mission (the most ever aboard a single U.S. rocket).  The primary payload for the ORS-3 Mission is the U.S. Air Force STPSat-3 satellite.  In addition, the rocket deployed 28 cubesats.  Among them is TJ3Sat, the first satellite built by high school students. 

Additionally, at their other pad, Virginia Space has a manifest to launch eight cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) onboard the new Antares launch vehicle built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, a Virginia corporation.  Antares launches from the new MARS Pad 0A, which has already launched two Antares missions earlier this year.  The next Antares to launch from Virginia’s spaceport to the space station is scheduled for December 2013.

Virginia plays a key role in National Security, as one of only four states in the United States that is licensed by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation to launch to orbit.  Virginia will continue to strongly support the aerospace industry throughout the Commonwealth. 
Enhanced by Zemanta