Governor McDonnell Announces Additional Appointment to Administration and Board and Commission Appointments

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced an additional appointment to the administration. The governor announced William P. Burge has been appointed Acting Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Governor McDonnell also announced appointments to 18 Virginia boards and commissions.

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

William P. Burge, Acting Commissioner

Bill Burge currently serves as the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. Prior to that position, he served as the Assistant Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry since October 2004.  His current job includes leading the agency’s Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Compliance and Consultation programs, Labor Law Division, the Office of Legal Support and the Boiler Safety Compliance Division.  He has served in several management positions with the agency since 1990.  Before joining the Department of Labor and Industry, he served as a Regional Safety and Health Engineer with the Virginia Department of Transportation and as a Mine Inspector with United States Steel Corporation.  Burge received his B.S. in Industrial Management from West Virginia University and his M.S. in Industrial Safety and Health from Marshall University.  He lives in Fredericksburg with his wife Pandora.

Board Appointments

Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates

·         Jennifer Morgan of Potomac Falls, President of Regulated Industries,  Public Services, Healthcare, and Utilities for SAP America, Inc.

Board of Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

·         Frederick Molter IV of Chester, Director of Safety with Quality Specialists, Inc.

Board of Counseling

·         Joseph J. Scislowicz of Franklin, Executive Director of Chesapeake Community Services

Board of Long-term Care Administrators

·         Marj Pantone of Virginia Beach, Administrator at Kings Grant House, Commonwealth Assisted Living

Board of Optometry

·         Steven A. Linas, OD of Richmond, Doctor of Optometry and Partner at Virginia Eye Institute

Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation

·         Matthew D. Benka of Richmond, President of MDB Strategies

Board of Trustees of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

·         Jil Womack Harris of Richmond

·         Charles Levine of Williamsburg, Former Master Printer for James Rosenquist

Cave Board

·         Janet Tinkham of Fort Valley, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Valley Health Systems

Fair Housing Board

·         Kevin M. Lewis of Alexandria, CEO and Managing Partner for LMK Partners LLC

·         The Honorable Rosemary Wilson* of Virginia Beach, Member of Virginia Beach City Council

Motor Vehicle Dealer Board

·         Clayton S. Huber of Woodford, President and Owner of Rosner Automotive Group

State Child Fatality Review Team

·         Nancy G. Parr of Chesapeake, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Chesapeake

·         Kimberly Fields Sobey of Bluefield, Director of Bland County Department of Social Services

State Rehabilitation Council

·         Julie Triplett* of Henrico, Disability Rights Advocate with the disAbility Law Center of Virginia

Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority

·         Gail L. Letts of Midlothian, Executive Vice President and Richmond Regional President at C&F Bank   

Virginia Council for the Interstate Compact for Juveniles

·         Laurel S. Marks* of Richmond, Manager of Juvenile and Adult Services for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

·         Joyce Walsh of Virginia Beach, Retired Director of the Chesapeake Victim Assistance Program, Treasurer for the Virginia Network for Victims and Board Member for the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board

·         Dr. Hua Liu of Norfolk, Assistant Professor of Geography at Old Dominion University

Virginia Soybean Board

·         Craig H. Giese* of Lancaster, Grain and Soybean Farmer and Certified Public Accountant with Dehnert, Clark & Co.

·         Bill Nelson of Henrico

·         Ronnie L. Russell* of Water View, Grain and Soybean Farmer and Manager of Corbin Hall in Middlesex County

·         L. Bruce Holland* of New Church, Grain, Soybean, Potato & Vegetable Farmer, Secretary of W T Holland & Sons, Inc., a farming operation in New Church

Virginia War Memorial Board 

·         Dale D. Chapman* of Richmond, Department Adjutant of the American Legion Department of Virginia

·         Todd B. Hammond of Richmond, Vice President, Capital Interior Contractors, Inc.

·         Francis Caroline Lane* of  McLean, Retired United States Navy 

·         Colonel Albert G. Pianalto, USAF (Ret.) of Chester, Legislative Aide for Veterans and Military Affairs for Delegate Kirk Cox

Virginia Wine Board

·         Mitzi Batterson* of Glen Allen, General Manager and Co-owner of James River Cellars Winery

·         Len Thompson of Amherst, Grape Grower and Owner of Amherst Vineyards, LLC

*Denotes re-appointment

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• Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News

Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Final Environmental Impact Statement Approved by Federal Government

Governor’s 2013 Transportation Bill Provides Funding to Begin the Widening with Section of I-64 in Newport News

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a significant development to ease congestion and increase safety on I-64 in the Hampton Roads and Richmond regions.  The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has signed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which supports the future widening of 75 miles of I-64 from I-95 in Richmond to I-664 in Hampton.  As a result of new transportation funding passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, about $100 million is currently now available to widen a section of I-64 in Newport News. 

“The signing of the FEIS is a critical step toward advancing improvements to highly traveled and congested areas of I-64 for commuters and travelers alike,” said Governor McDonnell.  “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked diligently with the public, localities and the FHWA to get environmental work to a pivotal stage.  

The FEIS identifies an alternative that allows adding lanes to a 75 mile stretch of I-64 between Hampton and Richmond.  The decision on whether to widen inside the median or outside the existing roadway would be made on a section-by-section basis and closely coordinated with localities.  Sections of roadway will be improved as funding is made available. 

Currently, $100 million is programmed to widen five miles of I-64 from Jefferson Avenue to Fort Eustis Boulevard in Newport News.  This section would be widened by one lane and a shoulder in each direction, increasing capacity for nearly 100,000 vehicles that drive this section of roadway every day.

Next steps require the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization to include the funding for this segment in their Transportation Improvement and Long Range plans.  The FHWA will then issue a Record of Decision (ROD) on the segment following the update of the planning documents, which is expected by early next year.  The ROD provides approval for the funded segment.  VDOT is aggressively pursuing a design build advertisement by mid-2014. 

“By completing the FEIS, the Commonwealth is making incredible strides to meet serious transportation needs along heavily congested and traveled areas of  I-64,” said  Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “We’re getting off to a good start by directing some of the new transportation funds to get the first segment widened.”

VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley added, “The federal approval follows several months of public review and input in addition to support by localities.  Moving forward, VDOT will continue to work closely with the public and localities on I-64 improvements.”

For more background information on the study, go to the following link:

http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/hamptonroads/i-64_peninsula_study.asp.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements

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. 

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Governor McDonnell Applauds Today’s State Supreme Court Ruling: Elizabeth River Tunnels Project Moves Ahead to Improve Transportation in Hampton Roads Region

English: The state seal of Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project will move ahead as a tolled facility following the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling in the Danny Meeks, et al. v. Virginia Department of Transportation, et al. litigation.  The project will build a second Midtown Tunnel, rehabilitate the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels and extend the Martin Luther King Boulevard. 

Governor McDonnell said, “I applaud the Supreme Court for its ruling today overturning the Circuit Court’s decision declaring aspects of the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project unconstitutional.  The court’s decision means the facilities can be tolled so project development and construction can continue, which will bring significant improvements to the region’s transportation network.  This project, which received broad support as a transportation priority by regional leaders, will make a huge impact on reducing traffic delays and congestion in Hampton Roads.  While we understand the financial impact this toll will have on local commuters, the Elizabeth River Tunnel project is a necessity to ensuring ongoing safety and economic development in the region.  Today’s ruling confirms what my administration has been saying from the beginning: Virginia’s Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) is a critical tool in addressing some of our toughest transportation challenges.  By attracting private sector capital and innovation and ensuring projects are completed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner, our ability to partner with the private sector makes otherwise impossible projects doable. This is critically important for future job-creation and economic growth in the Commonwealth.”

“The Elizabeth River Tunnels Project is crucial to the future of the Hampton Roads transportation network,” added Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “Not only will it relieve congestion at some of the worst choke points on the East Coast, but it will help move cargo into and out of the Port of Virginia.”

The Commonwealth is partnering with the private sector, Elizabeth River Crossings, under the PPTA to deliver the $2.1 billion project, with much of the investment coming from the private sector. The project will be financed through tolls, scheduled to begin in February 2014. 

The Elizabeth River Tunnels Project is located in the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, and includes:

·         A new two-lane tunnel under the Elizabeth River adjacent to the existing Midtown Tunnel;

·         Extending the MLK from London Boulevard to Interstate 264 (I-264), with an interchange at High Street.

·         Minor modifications to the interchange at Brambleton Avenue/Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk;

·         Maintenance and safety improvements to the existing Midtown Tunnel;

·         Maintenance and safety improvements to the existing Downtown Tunnel;

·         Long-term 24/7 maintenance, operations, management, snow removal and incident response in the Project area;

·         An annual subsidy to Hampton Roads Transit to increase bus and ferry services between Norfolk and Portsmouth to the highest level of service—providing improved interconnectivity and low-cost, convenient alternatives to driving.

For more information on the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project, visitwww.DriveERT.com.  Follow the project on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/DriveERT.

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