Showing posts with label Rail transport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rail transport. Show all posts

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Governor McAuliffe announces 16% economic impact increase of the Virginia Film Industry in 2013

~ AMC’s “TURN,” National Geographic’s “Killing Kennedy” among most significant projects ~

RICHMOND -- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the total economic impact of the film industry in Virginia in 2013 was $382.5 million, providing $19.4 million in state and local tax revenue for the Commonwealth.  This is a 16% increase from 2012 when the economic impact was $328.4 million.   In 2013, a total of 2,014 full-time jobs were available in the film industry.    

Among the major projects filmed in Virginia in 2013 were Killing Kennedy for the National Geographic Channel and the AMC television series TURN: Washington’s Spies.  Feature-length films included The Field of Lost Shoes, filmed in Lexington and Richmond, and Big Stone Gap,filmed in Wise County.  Significant TV production activity occurred in the Hampton Roads area, locally-produced indie feature films worked around Roanoke and Lynchburg, and Northern Virginia hosted a portion of the major motion picture Foxcatcher – releasing this weekend.  

“I am pleased to see Virginia’s film industry growing, which helps boost our local economy,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Bringing jobs and revenue to the Commonwealth is my top priority, and the sixteen percent increase shows that our incentive program has been successful in generating more business and jobs for the Commonwealth.”

Many productions filmed in Virginia benefit from incentive programs designed to support the Commonwealth’s film production industry while making the filming experience in Virginia as economical and efficient as possible for production groups that choose Virginia for their projects.

Virginia has two separate incentive funds. One is the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund, which is a grant fund. The other is the Virginia Motion Picture Tax Credit fund, which is a refundable tax credit program.  In addition to the incentive funds, the Commonwealth also has a Sales and Use Tax Exemption that applies to the purchase of production related supplies and equipment. 

“Film and television production provide solid, good-paying jobs, and the industry has proven to be important for the diversification of our economy.” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “This is an asset we have that we need to maximize for continued growth.”

“We are particularly interested in continuing to bring episodic television series to Virginia,” said Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office.  “These productions stay longer, hire more Virginians, and provide a greater impact on the economy.  With the support of the Governor and the General Assembly, I believe that TURN: Washington’s Spies will be the first of many major TV series that will choose Virginia.” 

The economic impact data was collected in a November 2014 study by Fletcher Mangum of Mangum Economics, based on information from the Virginia Employment Commission and the Virginia Film Office.

The Virginia Film Office is a division of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2013, visitors spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and contributing $1.42 billion in state and local taxes.

(Hope you do not mind that we are taking credit for what another Governor did before we got into office.  We do deserve to after all don't we?  Besides, he got arrested and went to jail.)

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Governor McDonnell Announces Signed Agreement to Extend Amtrak Virginia Service to Roanoke

English: New Orleans, LA, October 9, 2005 - Am...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Train Travel Will Return to Star City for First Time in 34 Years

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Norfolk Southern Corporation have entered into an agreement to improve rail related infrastructure between Lynchburg and Roanoke. The improvements will allow passenger rail to once again serve the Roanoke Region. Governor McDonnell’s 2013 transportation funding plan was instrumental in funding the return of intercity passenger rail service to Roanoke.

“DRPT and Norfolk Southern continue their strong partnership to advance intercity passenger rail service in the state of Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “Intercity passenger rail service is central to the Commonwealth’s economic growth, vitality and competitiveness in the region. Now the major population centers will have intercity passenger rail service.”

“The historic transportation bill has opened the door for continued expansion and growth of intercity passenger rail service in the State. The extension of intercity passenger train service from Lynchburg to Roanoke would not be possible without passage of this legislation,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

“During this administration, new train service to Norfolk, and funding for the continuation of six state regional trains occurred,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). “With the signing of this agreement, the State will be able to extend Amtrak Virginia daily intercity passenger train service to Roanoke within four years with direct same seat service to as far north as Boston.”

Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern Chairman and CEO, stated, “Norfolk Southern is proud to expand our partnership with DRPT and the Commonwealth. Virginia’s leadership enables both passenger mobility and economic development through a strong rail network.”

“The signing of the agreement between Norfolk Southern and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is an important milestone in bringing Amtrak rail service to our community. This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Commonwealth, the Roanoke Valley region, and our city, and with this signed agreement we can accelerate the return of passenger rail to the valley,” said Roanoke City Mayor David A. Bowers.

Included in this agreement are track additions and realignments, signal and communication upgrades along the route, clearance adjustments, and a platform and train servicing facility in downtown Roanoke.  Design work will begin immediately. In another effort funded by the Commonwealth and Norfolk Southern, the downtown Roanoke rail connections are currently being reconfigured to improve the flow of train traffic through Roanoke, which is a prerequisite to reintroducing passenger rail service.

Known as the “Amtrak Virginia” partnership, Roanoke is the latest step for the Commonwealth to lead the way as one of the few states in the country to successfully negotiate the addition of new intercity passenger rail service in major rail corridors, balancing freight and economic development needs with additional intercity passenger rail options.
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Amtrak Ridership Grows

English: An Amtrak train on the NEC in NJ, as ...
  c 2005 joseph barillari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since 2009, Ridership on Virginia’s State-supported Amtrak Intercity Passenger Trains Has Almost Doubled~

Staples Mill Road station busiest in Virginia

 


RICHMOND - Today, Governor Bob McDonnell announced Amtrak Virginia service continues to grow year and after year, delivering statewide benefits, providing vital transportation services, advancing the Commonwealth’s economy, and demonstrating the value and convenience of intercity passenger rail.

           “The impressive increase in Amtrak Virginia ridership demonstrates why the state has become more involved with providing additional transportation choices for citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is clear that Virginians embrace the idea of passenger rail and we are pleased to be able to continue to expand intercity passenger rail service, most recently to Norfolk, and in the future to Roanoke.”

Stations in Richmond (Staples Mill Road), Alexandria, Charlottesville, and Newport News are the busiest facilities in Virginia.

“Since 2009, the Commonwealth's state-supported Amtrak intercity passenger trains have seen ridership grow by 99.83 percent.  Dedicated funding for Amtrak Virginia trains was included in Governor Bob McDonnell's 2013 transportation package, HB 2313, to continue to support existing intercity passenger rail and to provide additional funding sources to expand services for Virginians,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

                The Amtrak Virginia Lynchburg route had an increase of 7 percent. The Norfolk service has exceeded expectations as its one-year anniversary approaches. Both Amtrak Virginia trains provide same-seat service as far north as Boston.

                “People throughout the State are deciding on other modes of transportation rather than driving their vehicles to their destinations and often sitting in traffic,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).  “Train travel is an attractive option by providing a relaxing one-seat ride up to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, free Wi-Fi and the ability to work, read or just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the State during the journey.”

                Virginia and other state-supported services are vital links in the Amtrak national network.  The power of increasing demand for passenger rail is recognized through state investments to improve service, speed and safety.  In addition, states and communities realize stations served by Amtrak are anchors for economic development, catalysts for historic preservation and tourism growth, sites for commercial and cultural uses, and points of civic pride.

                “There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with DRPT and further expanding service in the Commonwealth.”

About Amtrak Virginia
Amtrak Virginia is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Amtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. The Lynchburg train was initiated in October 2009, and serves the following Virginia stations: Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Alexandria. The Richmond train was initiated in July 2010, and serves the following Virginia stations: Richmond-Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria. The Norfolk train launched in December 2012 and connects passengers to destinations north of the city. Amtrak Virginia service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. Seewww.amtrakvirginia.com for more information.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland serves as vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares, and more information. For updates, Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (@Amtrak), and check out their blog at blog.amtrak.com.
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Saturday, August 10, 2013

Governor Bob McDonnell Announces Amtrak and Virginia Reach Agreement for New Era in Passenger Rail

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Commonwealth is First State to Take Greater Control of Regional Intercity Passenger Service under Federal Law

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Virginia has stepped up in partnership with Amtrak to sign on as the first state to usher in a new era and take greater control of passenger rail service.  Under the agreement Virginia will be assuming greater costs associated with making intercity passenger rail service available to communities between Washington, D.C., and Lynchburg, Newport News and Norfolk, including Richmond. This new operating and capital cost-sharing agreement with Amtrak, as required under federal law, needed to be in place no later than  October 1, 2013 or all Virginia regional rail service would have ceased.

            “Over 1.5 million people either board or disembark on a train in Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell.  “Stopping regional Amtrak service in the Commonwealth was not an option.  With this agreement between Virginia and Amtrak, we can continue to provide for existing regional intercity passenger rail service and work toward extending new service from Lynchburg into Roanoke and extend more service to Norfolk. I’m pleased that Virginia was the first state able to sign this agreement.”

            “Under the leadership of Governor McDonnell, Virginia worked to ensure that a dedicated funding source was created to insure that state-supported regional intercity passenger rail continues to operate after October 1,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton. “Many Virginians rely on this cost-effective, comfortable transportation option, and this administration has recognized how important this service is to citizens of the Commonwealth.”

            The agreement supports Virginia’s ongoing commitment to offering the public transportation choices to driving on congested highway corridors like I-95, Route 29, Route 460, and I-81, expanding mobility and increasing connectivity for travel throughout the regions served and along the Northeast Corridor. Passenger rail service also supports economic development and job growth for long-term local investment along service routes.

            “Virginia is a forward-thinking leader on this issue, developing the cost-sharing methodology with Amtrak and becoming the first state to ensure its corridor services continue to operate beyond the October 1 deadline,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman.   “Virginia recognizes the value, mobility and economic development that Amtrak service brings to the state and local communities.”

            The agreement between Virginia and Amtrak is part of Section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA), a federal law that requires Amtrak to work with the 19 affected states to establish a consistent cost-sharing methodology for the 28 corridor routes of less than 750 miles in order to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all states. Starting in late 2010, Amtrak and the Section 209 State Working Group, comprised of representatives from California, Maine, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin, developed a cost-sharing methodology that ultimately received approval for implementation by the Surface Transportation Board.

  

About Amtrak Virginia:
Amtrak Virginia is a program developed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) andAmtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. The new service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. For more information visit AmtrakVirginia.com.

About Amtrak®:
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A record 31.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2012 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety of services. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.
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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Releases Draft

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Releases Draft Virginia Statewide Rail Plan for Public Review and Comment

-Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan is available here-

RICHMOND –Governor McDonnell announced today that  the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) released the Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan for public review and comment.  The comprehensive plan will provide a defined vision for passenger and freight rail transportation in Virginia through 2040.  It profiles the Commonwealth’s current rail assets, services, and capacity chokepoints. Recommended improvement projects are included as part of the Rail Resource Allocation Plan, a tool that establishes funding sources, funding needs, and phasing for rail projects. Projects were identified using public and stakeholder input, and extensive evaluation of future population and employment trends, land use, and travel demand.

            “DRPT continues to demonstrate its effectiveness by improving and adding rail service in the Commonwealth despite major policy changes at the national level,” said Governor McDonnell.  “This plan shows how a small agency of dedicated individuals can maximize state’s resources to move passengers and goods efficiently, buoyed by the landmark transportation funding legislation signed into law this spring.”   

            “The Virginia Statewide Rail Plan provides a vision that will help guide the Commonwealth towards meeting its transportation goal of moving people and goods efficiently and effectively,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

            The Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan is posted online for a 30-day public review and comment period and can be viewed here. Comments received before 30 days will be summarized in the Plan.  Please direct comments to the Department’s public information office at drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov  or at the address below.

Department of Rail & Public Transportation
600 East Main Street, Suite 2102
Attention: Public Information Office – VSRP Comments

            DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please visit the website at www.drpt.virginia.gov or contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Linda Maiden, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.

About Department of Rail and Public Transportation:
The Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services.

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