State, University Leaders Welcome FAA Decision to Test Unmanned Aircraft

English: Wasp IIII small unmanned aircraft system (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – State and university leaders in Virginia and New Jersey welcomed the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval today of their proposal to operate a test site to integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace.

With plans for the University of Maryland to join the partnership, efforts to introduce the safe and responsible use of unmanned aerial vehicles to the nation will be well-represented in the mid-Atlantic.

“We expect unmanned aircraft systems will be extremely useful for agriculture, utilities, search-and-rescue missions, disaster response and a number of applications that will generate jobs, industry and add millions of dollars in revenue to state economies,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

In September, McDonnell, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, and Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland expressed their commitment to jointly support test-site infrastructure in a letter to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Today's announcement brings the next frontier of aerospace research and development to New Jersey, and is an exciting opportunity for our state,” Governor Christie said.  “The cutting-edge research opportunities will create new jobs and spur STEM education, while building upon our deep roots in this arena. The entire state, and especially southern New Jersey, will benefit in the years to come from this important national award.”

The FAA has until 2015 to develop regulations aimed at limiting the privacy and safety concerns associated with unmanned aircraft. Congress called for the establishment of six national unmanned aircraft system research and testing sites through the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

While much of the testing to date has been conducted under defense programs, continued work on the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace will be implemented through a combination of federal, state and local government resources, along with academic institutions and private industry.

New Jersey and Virginia submitted a joint proposal led by Virginia Tech as the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, which unites academic, industry, state government and economic development organizations. The University of Maryland, College Park, was the lead agency in the Maryland application for an FAA test site, bringing together a similar consortium of groups and test ranges.

After submitting the applications, the three universities agreed to work as a united team to enhance the region's competitive position in the event that either or both proposals were selected by the FAA.

More recently, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced it will award $1.0 million during fiscal year 2014 in Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) funds to Virginia Tech to operate an unmanned aircraft systems test site. In the introduced budget, Governor McDonnell recommended an additional $1.6 million over the next two fiscal years for this project.

The funds will take the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership from its current “volunteer” status to a fully functional and revenue-producing organization, capable of competitively analyzing and testing unmanned aircraft systems for industry and government.

“With our partners, we firmly believe we can introduce this new technology the right way,” said Jon Greene, interim director of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership and an associate director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Science. “Separately the team members have flown unmanned aircraft systems for thousands of hours, and now we have joined together to conduct unmanned aircraft systems research, development, and test and evaluation activities.”

In addition to expertise, the mid-Atlantic region contains both uncongested and restricted airspace, land and water terrain, and access to sea-level and high altitudes. The region also has an extensive agricultural base, which is considered the primary growth area for unmanned aircraft systems technology.

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the national airspace could add more than $13.6 billion to the nation’s economy by the end of the decade, reaching as high as $82.1 billion by 2025, according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Results of Regulatory Reform Initiative

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.

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“Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” Achieves Goal!

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at CPAC. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McDonnell Announces 1,008 children Adopted or Matched So Far in 2013

RICHMOND- The “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” effort has met its goal. Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that in calendar year 2013, 1,008 children from Virginia’s foster care system have been adopted or matched with a family who is going through the process of adopting.  The announcement is a part of the focus Governor McDonnell has placed on foster care and adoption since the launch of the “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” in May of this year.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “In May, we set out to achieve a clear goal: to match 1,000 children in foster care with permanent, loving families this year. Today, I am pleased to announce we have met, and actually now surpassed, this goal. I commend Secretary Hazel, Secretary Kelly, and the many state and local Department of Social Service employees and private adoption agencies who champion this cause day in and day out and who have worked tirelessly to reach this goal. Even though this is a tremendous milestone, there is still a great deal to be accomplished. I look forward to the continued focus on adoption throughout the McAuliffe administration.Every child deserves a family and a place to call home. Virginians have big hearts and big dreams and together, this year, we have changed lives forever.”

“Growing up in a loving family is one of the most important factors in a child’s life. It contributes to a strong sense of identity and builds a foundation for success.  Reaching the goal of matching 1,000 waiting children with permanent families is an extraordinary feat.  I look forward to building on the successes of the McDonnell administration and continuing this effort until there are no more foster children waiting to be adopted in Virginia,” stated Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe. 

Former First Lady Anne Holton added, “I am delighted to see the Campaign for 1,000 reach its goal. Tim and I believe deeply in this cause and it’s gratifying to see the next two gubernatorial Administrations take on and expand the effort.  This is an excellent step in the right direction, and I know that Governor-elect McAuliffe will expand on this success.”

The “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” launched in May from the steps of the Governor’s Mansion.  Former first lady Anne Holton joined Governor McDonnell at the launch.  In late July, the Campaign held informational rallies in nine localities across Virginia. More than 900 participants attended these events where potential adoptive parents learned more about children waiting for adoption and the adoption process. The Campaign also featured two innovative social media campaigns: “100 Kids, 100 Days” and “#IHeartAdoption.” The first campaign shared the story of 100 children in the foster care system waiting for a family, over the period of 100 days. #IHeartAdoption encourages adoption supporters to share photos describing why they support adoption on Facebook and Twitter.

Governor McDonnell announced last week his biennial budget will include $27.7 million in new funding for four initiatives targeted at improving foster care and adoption. In 2013, Governor McDonnell secured in the state budget $1.5 million in new funding dedicated to extreme recruitment, general recruitment, and post adoptive services. 

Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel stated, “Now that we have met the goal of matching 1,000 children, our focus will shift to those that have become available for adoption in recent months, since about 40 new children become available for adoption each month in Virginia.  Our goal is to surpass the number of children waiting with a pool of parents who want to adopt out of the foster care system.”

Secretary Kelly said, “This goal means that for 1,008 children, they will celebrate the last Christmas without a permanent family or the first Christmas with their new, permanent families. This is a phenomenal achievement, but we need to keep this momentum up for three to five years in order to truly change the culture of foster care adoptions in Commonwealth.”

            For more information about the “Campaign for 1,000” please view the Governor McDonnell and Governor-elect McAulliffe’s video messageand visit http://www.virginiaadopts.virginia.gov/.

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Governor McDonnell Announces 25 New Jobs in Henry County

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

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. to invest $1.5 million to expand manufacturing operation

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:BSET), a leading manufacturer and marketer of high quality, mid-priced home furnishings, will invest $1.5 million to expand its operations in Henry County. Over a three year period, the project will increase local manufacturing capacity and support operations, to grow the company’s custom casual dining business.  The project will create 25 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Bassett Furniture Industries is a true Virginia success story, and we are glad the company has called the Commonwealth home since its founding in 1902. Bassett employs hundreds of Virginians and has grown its business to serve customers across the United States and internationally. With a successful history in Henry County dating back more than 100 years, it is fitting for Bassett to expand here and demonstrates its utmost confidence in the local community and workforce. This expansion will continue to allow Bassett to leverage its customization capabilities and innovation and maintain its lead in the furniture industry.”

 “Bassett Furniture Industries is an important employer and a great ambassador of Henry County and the surrounding region,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We welcome the addition of 25 new jobs paying above the prevailing average wage and celebrate a homegrown company that continues to thrive in Virginia.”

            With 90 company-and licensee-owned stores, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. has leveraged its strong brand name in furniture into a network of corporate and licensed stores that focus on providing consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories. The most significant growth opportunity for Bassett continues to be the company's dedicated retail store program. Headquartered in Bassett, Virginia, Bassett Furniture’s retail strategy includes affordable custom-built furniture that is ready for delivery in the home within 30 days. The stores also feature the latest on-trend furniture styles, more than 1,000 upholstery fabrics, free in-home design visits, coordinated decorating accessories, and an exclusive HGTV Design Studio. Bassett is also growing its traditional wholesale business with more than 500 accounts on the open market, across the United States and internationally.

 “This investment will expand our production capacities, provide improved service for our customers, and position the facility for future growth,” said Robert H. Spilman, Jr., Bassett’s president and chief executive officer. “This expansion underscores the importance of our local workforce and its ability to meet our customers’ needs, and build upon our founders’ legacy that began in 1902.  Bassett Furniture is committed to this community and greatly values our partnership with local and state officials, who were instrumental in helping get the project underway. Bassett Furniture is Henry County born and bred and we owe a large part of our success to the superior workforce that you find right here in southwest Virginia.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. The Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation also offered vital assistance. Governor McDonnell approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. Henry County will contribute $25,000 for site 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.

“Bassett Furniture has called Henry County home for more than a century, and I cannot fathom what this community would be without it,” said Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams. “Today’s announcement underscores the company’s commitment to this community. Our commitment to the company is just as strong. This is a great day.”

            “We are proud that our open-access fiber optic network now connects Bassett Furniture to unlimited technology possibilities,” says Tad Deriso, President & CEO of Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. “We’re glad to be part of the team that ensures Bassett Furniture has the infrastructure, connectivity and resources they need to continue growing in Southern Virginia.”

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Governor McDonnell Announces Banner Year for Transportation in the Commonwealth

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.  

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

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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