Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in Botetourt County

Botetourt County, Virginia, from 1895 state map (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Dynax America Corporation to invest $32.6 million to expand operation ~

TOKYO, JAPAN - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Dynax America Corporation, a subsidiary of Dynax Corporation of Hokkaido, Japan, will invest $32.625 million to expand its automotive components manufacturing operation in Botetourt County. The Governor made the announcement following a meeting yesterday with Dynax Corporation officials in Tokyo during his Asia Marketing Mission. Virginia successfully competed against Shanghai, China for the project, which will create 75 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Dynax America Corporation has been a valuable corporate partner to Virginia since 1995, and employs nearly 600 at its plant in Botetourt County. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with the parent company in Tokyo to officially close this important deal. The addition of 75 new advanced manufacturing jobs is another step forward in creating a New Virginia Economy with a diverse industry base and valuable workers possessing skills of the 21^st century. The focus of my 10-day marketing mission to Asia is to build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships, and this tremendous expansion announcement is a great result. Dynax America’s significant investment demonstrates the company’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth, and secures its future longevity in Botetourt for years to come.”

“Dynax America Corporation’s continued growth and investment in Botetourt County is a powerful testament to Virginia’s excellent business environment,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company is a strong component of the growing automotive cluster in the Roanoke region, and this expansion further solidifies its standing. Virginia’s strong business relationship with Dynax America and Dynax Corporation is a priority, and it was an honor to be a part of yesterday’s meeting and expansion announcement in Tokyo.”

Dynax America Corporation is a manufacturer of automatic transmission components, friction disks, mating plates and assemblies. Located in Botetourt County, Virginia, the company’s employees are dedicated to achieving its corporate goals – providing high-quality products at competitive pricing while seeking to continually improve quality and processes.

“Dynax America Corporation has been a vested part of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Botetourt County since 1995,” said Tatsuo Kuroda, President of Dynax America Corporation. “We have enjoyed great success with the many positive benefits provided to us, and it is our desire to continue that positive momentum. Our greatest asset has been, and continues to be, our employees, as well as the favorable business climate that exists in Virginia. It is our desire to continue the tradition of stability and cooperation and to be a preferred place of employment in the region for many years in the future. We would like to thank our partners who have made this expansion possible.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Botetourt County and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $225,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Botetourt County with the project. The Governor also approved a $250,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company will receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company will also be eligible for Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment.

“The Board members and I are proud and appreciative that Dynax America Corporation has again chosen Botetourt County for an expansion of its operations,” said Dr. Donald Scothorn, Chairman of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors. “Since first locating in Botetourt County in 1996, Dynax has continued to grow and expand, becoming the County’s largest private sector employer. This new investment will foster innovative economic growth and create additional job opportunities for the residents of Botetourt County.” 

“Automotive parts are a top commodity for The Port of Virginia, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue to act as Dynax America’s partner and international trade gateway,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “What is significant is the addition of 75 jobs in the Roanoke Valley that come as a result of this expansion. This is a vote of confidence in Virginia and the port as a business location.”

(Expanding Monopolies And Taking The Freedoms Away From Small Businesses)

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Governor McAuliffe Announces 37 New Jobs in Charlotte County

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Blue Ridge Railcar Repair to invest $2.41 million to expand operation~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Blue Ridge Railcar Repair LLC (Blue Ridge), a subsidiary of Patriot Rail Company LLC, will invest $2.41 million to expand its operations in Charlotte County. Virginia successfully competed against Louisiana for the project, which will create 37 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Blue Ridge Railcar Repair was established in Charlotte County in December 2013, bringing an existing railcar repair facility back into operation and adding jobs and tax revenue to a community that has been hard hit by industry loss. Less than a year later, the company will expand to include railcar cleaning, blasting and painting capabilities to meet increased demand in the marketplace and grow its customer base, bringing an additional 37 new jobs that will pay above the county’s prevailing average wage. The new investment and job opportunities for Southern Virginia are exactly what we need to build a new Virginia Economy, and we look forward to Blue Ridge’s success in Charlotte County in the coming years.”

“The prosperity of existing businesses is vital to economic development in Virginia, and we are proud of Blue Ridge Railcar Repair’s success in Charlotte County in the past year,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “An increasing need for the company’s services in the market is great news, and the facility in Keysville can accommodate the demand with this expansion. We thank Blue Ridge for its investment, and commend Charlotte County on providing a business environment that allows the company to flourish.”

Patriot Rail Company LLC (Patriot Rail) is a leading operator of 500 miles of short line railroads and railcar repair facilities in 14 states across the U.S servicing a diversified customer base, including the chemical, mineral, forest products, timber, paper, manufacturing, grain and foodstuffs industries. Patriot partners with Class I railroads, transloaders (who transfer shipments from one mode of transportation to another) and railroad service providers to bring its customers customized freight transportation solutions, including freight haulage, railcar switching, repair, cleaning and storage; locomotive repair and switching; track and rail shop leasing; and construction.

In December 2013, Patriot Rail acquired the assets of a railcar repair and cleaning service provider located in Keysville, Virginia. The new railcar facility operates under Blue Ridge Railcar Repair LLC. The Blue Ridge facility is located 16 miles from the Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) interchange. The shop is an M-1003 AAR certified railcar repair facility with 21 acres of land, paint and blast capabilities, and 11,000 feet of track capacity which allows for up to 130 “repair in progress” cars to be stored at any given time. Blue Ridge repairs, cleans, and paints a wide array of railcar types, including boxcars, hoppers, gondolas, and flatcars.

“Patriot Rail’s investment in our Virginia-based Blue Ridge Railcar Repair is directly related to the support received from the state and local economic development councils,” said President and CEO John Fenton. “We were also attracted to the facility’s unique locale which will allow for expansion, as well as access to a nearby community college with a vocational training program to support new hires and continuing education for employees.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Charlotte County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Charlotte County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $155,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for 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. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Dr. Nancy Carwile, Chair, Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, expressing appreciation on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the Industrial Development Authority, said, "We applaud the efforts of Blue Ridge Railcar Repair to make investments, even in these tough economic times, that create economic opportunity—opportunities not only for the railroad industry but for our regional workforce. Charlotte County reiterates its promise to work with Blue Ridge Railcar throughout the facets of company growth here. "

“The Tobacco Commission is excited to play a role in this expansion,” said Gary D. Walker, member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “Blue Ridge Railcar’s stability and growth continues to fuel the community’s strong local economy. I look forward to working with companies like Blue Ridge Railcar Repair to make sure Southern Virginia continues to move toward an economic resurgence.”

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Governor McAuliffe Announces McKee Foods Corporation Expansion in Augusta County

McKee Foods - Little Debbie logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Company to invest $34 million and create 54 new jobs~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that McKee Foods Corporation will invest $34 million to expand production at its manufacturing facility in Stuarts Draft in Augusta County. Virginia successfully competed against Arkansas for the project, which will create 54 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “We are proud that for 24 years Virginia has remained a part of the success story of an industry leader producing snacks that are household names across the country. McKee Foods is a vital contributor to the economy of Augusta County and the Commonwealth. The Stuarts Draft plant, one of the most modern facilities in the baking industry, currently employs more than 1,000 Virginians in the region, and with this outstanding project will add more than 50 new jobs. Outcompeting other states and countries for high-tech manufacturing projects is key to building a new Virginia economy. My administration stands ready to help McKee Foods continue to capitalize on Virginia’s outstanding business climate, our world class workforce and our unrivaled access to global markets.”

“McKee Foods’ manufacturing operation in Augusta County has thrived for 24 years, and with this tremendous investment and expansion will continue to produce new products and increase efficiency and productivity,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company has continued to re-invest in its Stuarts Draft operation over the past decades, and this expansion is a great testament to McKee’s commitment and success in Augusta County and in the Commonwealth.”

McKee Foods, a family bakery with annual sales of about $1.2 billion, is a privately held company based in Collegedale, Tenn. The McKee Foods story began during the height of the Great Depression when founder O.D. McKee began selling 5-cent snack cakes from the back of his car. Soon after, he and his wife, Ruth, bought a small, failing bakery, using the family car as collateral. Today, the company employs more than 5,000 people in Collegedale, Tenn.; Gentry, Ark.; Stuarts Draft, Va.; and Kingman, Ariz. It creates and produces Little Debbie® Snacks, Drake’s® Cakes, Sunbelt Bakery® snacks and cereals, Heartland® and Fieldstone™ Bakery food products.

“McKee Foods has had a longstanding commitment to manufacturing in Virginia,” said Randy Smith, vice president of Stuarts Draft operations for McKee Foods. “The business climate in the Commonwealth is very favorable, and we have found Stuarts Draft to be geographically well-positioned to serve the markets for our brands. The Commonwealth is very business friendly, and there is a wonderful population of people to recruit to work with us. We are proud to be here and to be expanding our production capacity.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Creating jobs for the citizens of Augusta County remains one of our highest priorities," said Larry Wills, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. “McKee has been a strong partner in both job creation and capital investment since 1990, and we are proud to be a part of the company's ongoing success," Wills added.

Carolyn Bragg, Board of Supervisors representative for the South River District where the plant is located, said, "McKee Foods is one of the largest employers in Augusta County and continuously gives back to the community in multiple ways, such as its annual contribution to the Governor's Food Bowl. We are excited to announce this expansion in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia."

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U.S. Department of Labor Awards Nearly $14 Million to Support Job Training Programs at Virginia’s Colleges

Virginia State University (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Because Colleges No Longer Prepare The Students:

~ Grant to help colleges expand capacity to provide training programs ~ 

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia State University and four of Virginia’s community colleges will expand their capacity to provide innovative training programs in partnership with employers, thanks to a nearly $14 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (US DOL) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. 

In Virginia, the  funding will  support the priorities of  Governor McAuliffe’s Executive Order 23, the “New Virginia Economy” Workforce Initiative, to increase STEM-H postsecondary education and workforce credentials, secure employment for veterans, align education with the needs of businesses, and diversify the economy.

“These five new grant awards will drive industry driven STEM-H credentials, apprenticeships and on the job training to help build the skilled, high tech workforce for Virginia businesses and industry sectors”said Governor McAuliffe.  “This is another step forward towards my vision of a new Virginia economy, and I congratulate each of the colleges on their success.” 

“The success of Virginia State University and our community colleges in securing these awards suggests the strength of regional public-private partnerships,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “It’s encouraging to see our universities and community colleges working with employers, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners to stand up new models of education and training that work for industry, job seekers, and for the Commonwealth’s economic development.” 

Virginia State University received $3,249,817 to provide training in the wireless industry for veterans, dislocated and underemployed workers, which includes the Warriors4Wireless program, one of only two such programs in the U.S.  The college will work to accelerate credential completion, implement new instruction models, bolster online and technology-enabled learning, implement apprenticeships, and offer Wireless Technician certificates and associate and baccalaureate degrees

Lord Fairfax Community College received $3,250,000 to create Knowledge to Work, a new type of educational search engine and online portal designed to help workers find free and low-cost learning resources tied to competencies and credentials, including badges, certificates, and degrees. These low-cost credentials will be targeted to high demand industries that align with the Governor’s STEM-H goals in healthcare, information technology and advanced manufacturing.

Danville Community College received $2.5 million to incorporate workplace experiential learning in advanced manufacturing in an educational setting. The new program, Retooling America, focuses on realistic, fully integrated training experiences in a full-scale manufacturing faciltiy , which will be housed at the college’s project partner, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

Southwest Virginia Community College received $2.5 million to provide training in advanced manufacturing and carpentry industries through the college’s PluggedIn VA.  PluggedIn VA is a program, which provides expedited paths through a GED, postsecondary education and job training to a high demand job.

Thomas Nelson Community College received $2,476,840 to work with regional employers and workforce organizations to develop and implement an education and training system to produce multi-skilled technicians in advanced manufacturing.

“VSU is honored that the Department of Labor has entrusted us with federal assistance to develop this wireless infrastructure career training program,” said VSU President Keith T. Miller.   “The market demand for wireless network workers remains strong in our region and throughout the country.  This grant will help VSU stay at the forefront of helping to build Virginia’s economic and technological future.”

“Community colleges are at their best when they are bringing together employers and career-seekers from across the community, and that’s exactly what this grant will help us do,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “Virginia earned the largest amount of funding awarded to any state.  We take that to be a vote of confidence in the quality of our work and a challenge to go even further. We’re grateful for the opportunities this creates in helping us serve people across Virginia.”

A full list of grantees including project descriptions is available online athttp://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20141865.htm.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces $11.9 million Workforce Innovation Fund Grant

The seal of the United States Department of Labor (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Grant will advance employment and financial literacy for 1,800 Virginians with barriers to higher education and employment ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Virginia has been selected by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to receive an $11.9 million grant to advance employment and financial literacy for 1,800 Virginians in challenging environments.  Virginia received the largest single grant award of any organization or state in the $50.7 million DOL Workforce Fund grant competition which awarded funds to 11 organizations in nine states.       

The successful Workforce Innovation Fund grant proposal was jointly developed by the Office of the Governor and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).  Grant activities will focus on implementing the Working Families Success Network (WFSN) model at six of the Commonwealth’s One Stop employment centers. 

The WFSN model was developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  Four of Virginia’s 23 community colleges are already implementing the model in collaboration with the Achieving the Dream organization.  The model helps individuals cut through red tape and access services and resources to help them earn good-paying jobs.

This grant and the activities align with Governor Terry McAuliffe’s executive order establishing his “New Virginia Economy” workforce initiative, a robust plan that calls for 50,000 new STEM-H credentials earned by 2018.

“In order to create a new Virginia economy, our education and workforce development systems must give the necessary support to level the playing field for success,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This program will help our community colleges and One Stop Career Centers provide students the necessary financial and support services to help them succeed in a 21^stcentury economy.”

“This grant will allow Virginia to implement a proven model of workforce development that doesn’t just train people for a job, but helps them to build their financial and career management skills.” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said. 

“Earning a college credential is no longer optional for those seeking in-demand jobs,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “This grant is a vital step in positioning Virginians to realize the American Dream.” 

The VCCS Workforce Development Services unit will oversee the five year project, working with six regional workforce investment boards that are responsible for delivery of services authorized under the federalWorkforce Investment Act. 

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Governor McAuliffe Awards $6 Million in School Security Equipment Grants

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today awarded $6 million in School Security Equipment Grants to protect students and teachers in 100 school divisions and six regional educational programs. The grants will pay for video monitoring systems, metal detectors, classroom locks, electronic-access controls, visitor-identification systems, direct communications links between schools and law enforcement agencies, and other security upgrades in 373 schools and other buildings.

The criteria for making the awards — developed by the Virginia Department of Education and the state Department of Criminal Justice Services — gave priority to schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of offenses, and schools with equipment needs identified by a school security audit.

"Investing in security improvement that will protect our children while they are in school is critical towards building a new Virginia economy where students can learn and succeed," said Governor McAuliffe."These grants will result in safer environments for teaching and learning for thousands of students and educators."

The divisions and regional educational programs awarded grants, as well as the 373 schools and other buildings that will receive needed security upgrades are as follows:

·       Accomack County — $100,000 for security improvements at Kegotank Elementary, Nandua Middle and Pungoteague Elementary

·       Alexandria — $41,668 for Charles Barrett Elementary, Cora Kelly Magnet Elementary, Jefferson-Houston Elementary, John Adams Elementary and William Ramsay Elementary

·       Alleghany County — $45,444 for Alleghany High and Clifton Middle

·       Amelia County — $100,000 for Amelia Elementary, Amelia High and Amelia Middle

·       Amherst County — $93,446 for Amelon Elementary, Amherst County High, Amherst Middle, Madison Heights and Monelison Middle

·       Appomattox County — $33,360 for Appomattox County High and Appomattox County Middle

·       Arlington County — $22,240 for Gunston Middle

·       Augusta County — $56,722 for Buffalo Gap High, Riverheads High and Stuarts Draft Middle

·       Bath County — $27,708 for Bath County High and Valley Elementary

·       Bedford County – $88,785 for Boonsboro Elementary, Huddleston Elementary, Moneta Elementary, Montvale Elementary, New London Academy and Otter River Elementary

·       Botetourt County — $27,471 for Central Academy Middle and James River High

·       Bridging Communities Regional CTE Center — $19,314

·       Brunswick County — $71,280 for Brunswick High, James S. Russell Middle, Meherrin Powellton Elementary and Totaro Elementary

·       Buchanan County — $12,450 for Council High

·       Buena Vista — $3,000 for Parry McCluer High

·       Campbell County — $40,922 for Altavista Elementary, Altavista High, Brookville High, Brookville Middle, Concord Elementary, Rustburg Elementary, Rustburg Middle and Rustburg High

·       Caroline County — $81,260 for Bowling Green Elementary and Caroline Middle

·       Carroll County — $99,623 for Carroll County Education Center, Carroll County High, Carroll County Middle, Fancy Gap Elementary, Gladesboro Elementary, Gladeville Elementary, Hillsville Elementary, Laurel Elementary, Oakland Elementary and St. Paul School

·       Charlottesville — $25,760 for Charlottesville Alternative

·       Chesapeake — $99,576 for Crestwood Middle, Deep Creek High, Deep Creek Middle and Western Branch Middle

·       Chesterfield County — $86,300 for Bailey Bridge Middle, Carver Middle School, Chesterfield Career and Technical Center, Chesterfield Community High, Chesterfield Tech Center, Elizabeth B. Davis Middle, Falling Creek Middle, James River High, Lloyd C. Bird High, Manchester High, Manchester Middle, Matoaca High, Meadowbrook High, Midlothian Middle, Monacan High, Providence Middle, Robious Middle, Salem Church Middle, Swift Creek Middle, Thomas Dale High and Tomahawk Creek Middle

·       Clarke County — $67,223 for Boyce Elementary, D. G. Cooley Elementary and Johnson Williams Middle

·       Colonial Heights — $73,375 for Colonial Heights High, Lakeview Elementary, North Elementary and Tussing Elementary

·       Craig County — $28,480 for Craig County High

·       Culpeper County — $100,000 for Culpeper Middle and Floyd T. Binns Middle

·       Cumberland County — $57,514 for Cumberland Elementary, Cumberland High and Cumberland Middle

·       Danville — $99,990 for George Washington High

·       Dickenson County — $64,353 for Ervinton Elementary and Sandlick Elementary

·       Dinwiddie County — $99,292 for Dinwiddie County High, Dinwiddie County Middle, Dinwiddie Elementary, Midway Elementary, Southside Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary and Sutherland Elementary

·       Enterprise Academy/Newport News — $1,467

·       Fauquier County — $5,888 for Cedar Lee Middle, Margaret M. Pierce Elementary and Marshall Middle

·       Floyd County — $94,414 for Floyd County High

·       Fluvanna County — $20,646 for Central Elementary

·       Franklin — $57,577 for Franklin High, J.P. King Jr. Middle and S.P. Morton Elementary

·       Franklin County – $65,338 for Benjamin Franklin Middle-West and Dudley Elementary

·       Frederick County — $4,562 for Frederick County Middle, James Wood Middle, Middle School Alternative Program and Robert E. Aylor Middle

·       Giles County — $79,222 for Eastern Combined Elementary, Giles High, Macy McClaugherty School, Narrows Elementary and Narrows High

·       Gloucester County — $98,714 for Abingdon Elementary, Botetourt Elementary, Gloucester High and Petsworth Elementary

·       Grayson County — $41,755 for Baywood Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Fries School, Grayson County High/Career and Technical Center, Grayson Highlands School, Independence Elementary and Independence Middle

·       Greene County — $36,915 for William Monroe High and William Monroe Middle

·       Greensville County — $67,920 for Belfield Elementary, E.W. Wyatt Middle, Greensville County High and Greensville Elementary

·       Halifax County — $16,390 for Governor’s Career and Technical Academy and Halifax County Middle

·       Hampton — $64,891 for Benjamin Syms Middle, Bethel High, C. Alton Lindsay Middle, Hampton High, Jefferson Davis Middle and Phoebus High

·       Hanover County — $53,218 for Beaverdam Elementary, Henry Clay Elementary, Liberty Middle and Patrick Henry High

·       Harrisonburg — $37,682 for Waterman Elementary, Keister Elementary, Skyline Middle/Smithland Elementary, Spotswood Elementary and Thomas Harrison Middle

·       Henrico County — $72,880 for Glen Lea Elementary, Highland Springs Elementary and Varina Elementary

·       Henry County — $53,900 for Bassett High, Drewry Mason Elementary, Fieldale-Collinsville Middle, Laurel Park Middle and Magna Vista High

·       Hopewell — $100,000 for Carter G. Woodson Middle, Dupont Elementary and Harry E. James Elementary

·       Isle of Wight County — $33,989 for Windsor Elementary

·       Jackson River Technical Center — $63,920

·       King William County — $26,593 for Acquinton Elementary and Hamilton Holmes Middle

·       Lancaster County — $80,000 for Lancaster High, Lancaster Middle and Lancaster Primary

·       Lee County — $41,564 for Elydale Elementary, Jonesville Middle, Lee High and Pennington Middle

·       Loudoun County — $33,989 for J. Lupton Simpson Middle, Seneca Ridge Middle and Sterling Middle

·       Lunenburg County — $26,400 for Central High and Victoria Elementary

·       Lynchburg — $99,911 for Linkhorne Middle and Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle

·       Manassas — $94,763 for George Carr Round Elementary, Grace E. Metz Middle, Mayfield Intermediate and Osbourn High

·       Martinsville — $57,661 for Albert Harris Elementary, Clearview Early Learning Center, Martinsville High and Martinsville Middle

·       Mathews County — $1,232 for Mathews High and Thomas Hunter Middle

·       Middlesex County — $94,414 for Middlesex High

·       Middle Peninsula Regional Alternative – $4,428

·       Montgomery County — $100,000 for Blacksburg Middle, Christiansburg High, Christiansburg Middle and Eastern Montgomery High

·       New Horizons Regional Technical Center — $94,414 for Woodside Lane Campus

·       New Kent County — $62,494 for George Watkins Elementary, New Kent Elementary, New Kent High and New Kent Middle

·       Newport News — $17,523 for Point Option Alternative, Booker T. Washington Middle, Crittenden Middle, Denbigh High, Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle, Heritage High, Homer L. Hines Middle, Huntington Middle, J.M. Dozier Middle, Mary Passage Middle, Menchville High and Woodside High

·       Norfolk — $90,300 for Bay View Elementary, Chesterfield Academy Elementary, Granby Elementary, Ingleside Elementary, Jacox Elementary, Larrymore Elementary, Lindenwood Elementary, Little Creek Elementary, Mary Calcott Elementary, Norview Elementary, Oceanair Elementary, P.B. Young Sr. Elementary, Poplar Halls Elementary, Sewells Point Elementary, Sherwood Forest Elementary, St. Helena Elementary, Suburban Park Elementary, Tarrallton Elementary and Tidewater Park Elementary

·       Norton — $78,568 for John I. Burton High

·       Page County — $100,000 for Luray High, Luray Middle, Page County High and Page County Middle

·       Patrick County — $20,470 for Blue Ridge Elementary, Meadows of Dan Elementary, Patrick County High and Patrick Springs Elementary

·       Petersburg — $79,957 for Peabody Middle, Petersburg High and Vernon Johns Jr. High

·       Pittsylvania County — $86,948 for Chatham High, Dan River High, Dan River Middle, Gretna High, Gretna Middle, Kentuck Elementary, Stony Mill Elementary and Tunstall High

·       Pittsylvania Regional Alternative Center — $1,120

·       Poquoson — $43,593 for Poquoson Elementary, Poquoson High, Poquoson Middle and Poquoson Primary

·       Portsmouth — $28,156 for Churchland Academy, Churchland High, Churchland Middle, Cradock Middle, I.C. Norcom High, Victory Elementary, William E. Waters Middle and Woodrow Wilson High

·       Powhatan County — $24,768 for Powhatan Elementary

·       Prince Edward County — $79,029 for Career and Technical School, Prince Edward County Elementary, Prince Edward County High and Prince Edward County Middle

·       Prince George County — $79,680 for N.B. Clements Jr. High and Prince George High

·       Prince William County — $24,057 for Belmont Elementary and Woodbridge High

·       Pulaski County — $58,436 for Dublin Middle, Pulaski Elementary and Pulaski Middle

·       Radford — $35,200 for McHarg Elementary and Radford High

·       Rappahannock County — $13,488 for Rappahannock County Elementary and Rappahannock County High

·       Richmond — $71,474 for Bellevue Elementary, Chimborazo Elementary, Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary, G.H. Reid Elementary, George Mason Elementary, George Washington Carver Elementary, Ginter Park Elementary, J.E.B. Stuart Elementary, James H. Blackwell Elementary, Mary Munford Elementary and Southampton Elementary

·       Richmond County — $63,108 for Rappahannock High

·       Roanoke — $67,072 for Fairview Elementary, James Madison Middle and Lincoln Terrace Elementary

·       Roanoke County — $94,414 for Northside High and Northside Middle

·       Rockbridge County — $62,939 for Central Elementary, Mountain View Elementary and Natural Bridge Elementary

·       Rockingham County — $38,948 for Montevideo Middle, Spotswood High, Turner Ashby High and Wilbur S. Pence Middle

·       Russell County — $79,970 for Honaker High, Lebanon Elementary, Lebanon High and Lebanon Middle

·       Scott County — $31,331 for Dungannon Intermediate, Gate City Middle, Rye Cove High and Twin Springs High

·       Shenandoah County — $54,589 for Ashby-Lee Elementary, Central High, Sandy Hook Elementary, Triplett Business and Technical and W. W. Robinson Elementary

·       Smyth County — $26,370 for Marion Senior High

·       Southampton County — $38,863 for Fresh Start Center, Meherrin Elementary and Nottoway Elementary

·       Spotsylvania County — $12,322 for Battlefield Middle, Post Oak Middle and Spotswood Elementary

·       Stafford County — $100,000 for Brooke Point High, Colonial Forge High, Mountain View High and Stafford Senior High

·       Staunton — $99,288 for Robert E. Lee High and Staunton City Preschool Programs

·       Suffolk — $72,090 for John Yeates Middle

·       Sussex County — $31,370 for Sussex Central High and Sussex Central Middle

·       Tazewell County — $99,365 for Tazewell County Career and Technical Center and Tazewell High

·       Virginia Beach — $62,483 for Holland Elementary, Independence Middle, Lynnhaven Middle, Parkway Elementary and White Oaks Elementary

·       Waynesboro — $47,207 for Westwood Hills Elementary

·       Westmoreland County — $8,800 for Montrose Middle and Washington and Lee High

·       West Point — $49,600 West Point Elementary and West Point Middle

·       Williamsburg-James City County — $6,542 for Berkeley Middle

·       Winchester — $83,805 for Daniel Morgan Middle, Douglas Community Learning Center and John Handley High

·       Wise County — $85,166 for Coeburn Middle, Coeburn Primary, J.W. Adams Combined, Powell Valley Primary and Wise Primary

·       York County — $95,884 for Bethel Manor Elementary, Dare Elementary, Grafton Bethel Elementary, Seaford Elementary and Yorktown Elementary

“Schools today must plan for a wide range of scenarios, including armed intruders, natural disasters and the accidents that inevitably occur in even the safest schools,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. “The enhancements and systems supported by this grant program will help our schools meet this challenge and will result in safer environments for students and staff.” 

The School Security Equipment Grant program was established by the 2013 General Assembly in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012, mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.

The 2013 legislature directed the Virginia Public School Authority to issue bonds to fund $6 million in competitive grants statewide in both the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years for the purchase and installation of school security equipment. The 2014 General Assembly subsequently authorized an additional $6 million grant competition in 2015-2016.

The first round of grants announced in September 2013 helped pay for new security systems and upgrades in 456 schools and other educational facilities.

School divisions and regional educational programs were invited in June to apply for the second round of grants. The largest grant a school division may receive under the program is $100,000 and a local match of 25 percent is required of most divisions.

To encourage the installation of equipment and systems during the summer months and to expedite the spend-down of the grant funds, school divisions and regional programs were allowed to apply for grants to reimburse eligible expenditures incurred on or after May 22, 2014.

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