Hurricane Preparedness Week

Governor Tim Kaine recognized May 24-30 as National Hurricane Preparedness Week and reminds Virginians that the Commonwealth will mark its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from Monday, May 25, through Sunday, May 31.

“Hurricane season will soon be here and now is a good time to start thinking about what you will need if one of these devastating storms affects Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “These tax breaks should help everyone buy the items they need to see them through the difficult days that follow the storms.”

During the sales tax holiday many items that are very useful during and after a hurricane will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax. Twenty-two items will be tax exempt, including batteries, flashlights, bottled water, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and generators that cost $1,000 or less. A complete list of tax-exempt products and frequently asked questions is available on the Tax Department’s Web site at www.tax.virginia.gov. All Virginia retailers who sell the tax-exempt products are required by law to waive the sales tax on these items during the seven-day exemption period.

“This sales tax holiday is the perfect time to go shopping and buy tax-exempt items that will help you get through a hurricane or other large storm when there are usually power outages and other problems,” said Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen.

Since 2003, Virginia has had 49 fatalities and suffered over $2 billion in damage from storms including Hurricane Isabel, Hurricane Jeanne, and Tropical Depression Gaston. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Hurricane Camille, which left more than 100 dead and damage of more than $1 billion in Virginia.

Governor Kaine also encouraged Virginians to take advantage of the resources available on Ready Virginia to ensure that they are prepared for a hurricane, other natural disaster, or any emergency. Ready Virginia provides information to help Virginians prepare emergency kits, make emergency plans, and stay informed in the event of an emergency.

During the sales tax holiday, retailers are also permitted to pay the sales tax themselves on any non-qualifying item or items they sell and pass the 5 percent savings on to customers. Virginia will have two additional sales tax holidays this year— for school supplies and clothing from Aug. 7-9, 2009, and for Energy Star and WaterSense products will from Oct. 9- 12, 2009.

Kaine to VDOT: Shut up and sail

by Cortney Langley, reprinted by permission from The Virginia Gazette, originally published Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

The governor instructed VDOT to maintain 24-hour service at the ferries, and for free.
Photo by The Virginia Gazette.

RICHMOND — In a sharp slap, Gov. Tim Kaine ordered VDOT to preserve the Jamestown Ferry while demanding review of the security contract.

“First, we will continue to provide service 24 hours a day,” Kaine wrote in a letter Monday to Del. Bill Barlow (D-64th). “Second, we will not impose a toll for the provision of the service.

“Third, [VDOT] will pursue clarification of security requirements that are costly in service at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry but have shown to be of limited merit when actually implemented.

“Fourth, [VDOT] will also aggressively pursue federal funding for new ferry equipment.”

His statement checks off nearly every item on the wish list of passengers, boat crews, activists and politicians.

VDOT’s proposal was to save $1.9 million by idling eight hours, cutting the summer fleet by one and reallocating funds for a new ferry.

Barlow wrote to Kaine last month, likening the ferry reductions to a bridge closure since the ferry links the two sides of a primary state highway, Route 31.

Critics countered that VDOT should dump the $1.6 million private security contract as overkill. Ferry security is federally mandated by the Maritime Security Transportation Act but paid for by the state.

Kaine apparently took Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer and Commonwealth Transportation commissioner David Ekern to the woodshed.

“I have made clear to them that the Commonwealth will maintain the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service,” Kaine wrote.

“I think it’s great that the governor was so responsive to everyone,” said James City county administrator Sandy Wanner, who first floated the idea of jettisoning security to save the 24-hour service.

“A lot of people sent so much information and ideas on how critical this service was, of people going to work and people going for med services,” Wanner added. “This is a critical transportation link.”

Aside from Barlow, other politicians piled on, among them Del. Brenda Pogge (R-96th), Del. Phil Hamilton (R-93rd) and Sen. Tommy Norment (R-3rd).

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance also argued the cuts would hurt tourism and industry here.

“The Alliance, as the representative of local business, appreciates Governor

Kaine’s commitment to maintain the ferry’s free, 24-hour service, which thousands of people involved in our region’s hospitality, tourism and healthcare fields rely on every day,” said president Dick Schreiber. “It is also gratifying to see that collaborative efforts by private organizations and individuals working together with local officials can be effective in influencing public policy.”

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is expected to review VDOT’s plan and Kaine’s short list May 20. Since the board is appointed by Kaine, his recommendations are expected to fly.

Hampton Roads Transportation Board rep E. Dana Dickens III, who has also been an advocate, said a number of members favor maintaining the ferry schedule.

“I welcome the governor’s support,” Dickens said.

Kaine cautioned that cuts elsewhere may be imminent and put in a dig on reluctant Republicans.

“As your letter also points out, we do not sufficiently fund our transportation system,” Kaine wrote to Barlow. “Together, we have acknowledged this fact in six legislative sessions in the last three years and we have increased our annual financial commitment to rail and transit.

Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Investments in Hampton Roads

Governor Tim Kaine announced recently the issuance by the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) of Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Bonds to finance $186 million in wastewater treatment and sewer system infrastructure and upgrades statewide. VRA's total investment in nutrient removal for the Chesapeake Bay for FY 2007-09 in all programs now exceeds $810 million.

“The Commonwealth has dedicated more than $1 billion to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay since the start of my term,” Governor Kaine said.

The Series 2009 bonds will support improvements to 13 wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure including those owned and operated by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District and the City of Newport News. The majority of the projects will provide system upgrades to reduce nutrient pollution being discharged into the tributaries that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Ultimately, the upgrades will enhance marine life and the overall health of the Bay.

Virginia, along with Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are all signatories to the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, which calls for each state to reduce by 40% the level of nutrients going into the Chesapeake Bay by 2010.

“A cleaner Chesapeake Bay and cleaner rivers will enhance the quality of life where Virginians live, work and play,” said Sheryl Bailey, Executive Director of the Virginia Resources Authority.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District – (three projects) --

1. The loan will fund upgrades at Nansemond Treatment Plant which will provide nutrient removal to meet the Commonwealth’s 2010 Chesapeake Bay regulations. This project is expected to receive funding from the Water Quality Improvement Fund and FY 2009 CWRLF funds.
2. The loan will also fund upgrades at James River Treatment Plant which will provide nutrient removal to meet the Commonwealth’s 2010 Chesapeake Bay regulations. This is an innovative treatment process, one of the first of its kind in the state.
3. And finally, the loan will provide for the design and installation of flow meters and pressure sensors at sites throughout Hampton Roads. This is part of the regional consent order to reduce sanitary sewer overflows.

Contact:
Bruce W. Husselbee, PE, Director of Engineering
757-460-7012
bhusselbee@hrsd.com

City of Newport News – The loan will provide for sanitary sewer upgrades and rehabilitation, as well as pump station renovation.

Contact:
Steve Williams, Senior Engineer
757-269-2493
swilliams@nngov.com

May is Military Appreciation Month

Governor Tim Kaine has declared May as “Military Appreciation Month” in Virginia and is encouraging all citizens of the Commonwealth to join in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by Virginia-based military personnel and their families.

“We’re proud of these men and women and their dedication to the defense of our nation and the Commonwealth” said Governor Kaine. “Virginia has a long and distinguished relationship with the military, and we will continue to provide resources, support and gratitude for our service members and defense partners as they perform their missions.”


Virginia is home to more than 206,000 active military and civilian defense personnel, the most of any state, as well as more than 35,000 members of the Reserves or National Guard. In addition to the highest concentration of defense personnel, Virginia is home to dozens of prominent defense installations, including the Defense Department (DoD)’s headquarters at the Pentagon, Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Langley Air Force Base, the Army’s Fort Lee and the Naval Station in Norfolk.

The Defense Department has proven to be a resilient and steadfast part of the Virginia economy, investing more than $46 billion a year in the Commonwealth – second only to California – and employing nearly 6% of the state’s workforce.

Hampton Roads is home to 59% of Virginia's DoD employees and nearly $15 billion impact in expenditures.

In 2005 the General Assembly created the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority to work hand-in-hand with base commanders and community leaders on behalf of the state, administer grants to communities near installations, and provide strategic counsel to the Commonwealth’s leadership in order to grow the state’s relationship with the military.


The Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) was formed in 2006. The mission of HRMFFA is to proactively protect, preserve and grow military and federal capabilities in Hampton Roads for the common good and welfare of the residents of the Hampton Roads. Through regional advocacy and influence the Alliance acts to retain and attract organizations, capabilities, and investments owned, operated or funded by the Federal government.

"May should be Military Recognition Month and every month of the entire year should address appreciation of the military," added Frank Roberts, Executive Director of HRMFFA.

DoD postpones action on carrier homeport from Hampton Roads

Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement on April 9th regarding the Department of Defense’s (DoD) decision to postpone action on the Navy's Record of Decision regarding moving a nuclear aircraft carrier from Hampton Roads and homeporting it in Mayport, FL:

“Today’s decision by the Department of Defense to postpone acting on the Navy's Record of Decision to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Mayport, Florida -- pending a review -- offers some room for optimism among Virginians. Along with other elected and community leaders across the Commonwealth, I remain committed to maintaining Hampton Roads as the East Coast home base for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.”

DoD decided to delay the decision until it comprehensively reviews the issue during the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.


U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman and Glenn Nye, along with lawmakers from other states are intensifying their efforts to block moving an aircraft carrier to Mayport FL. Wittman and Nye wrote a letter to the acting Secretary of the Navy B.J. Penn saying they'll oppose any requests for money to move the carrier to Mayport. The letter is signed by 18 representatives including 13 Democrats and five Republicans from Washington, Maryland, Ohio, New York and New Mexico.

Nye and Wittman are working to make this a financial issue rather than a Virginia v. Florida issue. It's a smart strategic move considering the current state of the economy.

Congressman Glenn Nye (VA, 2n District) said: “This is not a Virginia versus Florida issue; this is a question of spending our military dollars wisely at a time when budgets are already stretched thin. Members of Congress from both parties, all across the country, have recognized that it makes no sense to spend a billion dollars to outfit a redundant port facility on the East Coast.

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA, 1st District) said: “I am deeply concerned by the Navy’s decision to shift the homeporting of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. In fiscal year 2009 the Navy reported unfunded requirements in excess of $4.5B. Building duplicative infrastructure in the current fiscal environment does not make budgetary or strategic sense, especially given the Secretary of Defense’s budget cuts for fiscal year 2010.

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia, said in a statement, "I am gratified that the Department of Defense has formally decided to postpone the major elements of the Navy's proposal until after a proper strategic review has been conducted, as I have consistently urged." "I look forward to reviewing the rest of the proposal - which includes a request for funds to conduct minimal dredging and pier work at Mayport - on its merits, as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 budget process."

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., struck a similar tone, "This is a promising development for the taxpayers and for the Navy, and I am pleased the Pentagon has agreed with our request to focus on the fiscal and strategic realities of building an extra nuclear carrier facility at Mayport."

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was more cautious, saying the decision "offers some room for optimism."


Frank Roberts, director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, said the Navy had more pressing needs than spending $600 million to prepare Mayport Naval Station for a nuclear carrier. "It's definitely the right and appropriate decision," he said. However, Roberts said, "I don't think we're ever safe. We have to be constantly vigilant."

Considering the move as part of next year's quadrennial defense review will delay a decision until at least 2011, he said. This means the Navy will keep its fleet of five operational carriers at Norfolk Naval Station.

The Navy is proceeding with dredging work at Mayport Naval Station, so it can serve as a future homeport or as an emergency location for a carrier. In January, after a 2-1/2-year environmental study, the Navy said that dispersing the East Coast fleet would reduce the risks of a catastrophic attack or natural disaster.

Governor Kaine speaks at Blue Planet Forum

Governor Tim Kaine will be guest speaker at the next Blue Planet Forum lecture, sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Nauticus, NOAA, and Old Dominion University, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to RSVP to attend, click here or call the CBF office at 622-1964.

Gov. Kaine is a fervent supporter of the Chesapeake Bay on a national level, calling for more federal attention, money and regulatory clout for the Bay. He has encouraged President Obama to press Congress to take actions in support of the Bay, including the creation of a "Clean Water Trust Fund."

Gov. Kaine has also urged President Obama to declare the Bay "a national treasure," a status that would elevate the cleanup's importance in Congress and in public debate.

Also, on Friday, April 10th at noon, tune in to hear CBF's own Christy Everett and others on WHRV's 89.5 HearSay with Cathy Lewis for a discussion about the ecological and economic health of the Chesapeake Bay and other major Hampton Roads waterways. Or click here to stream it.

HRP members are among 2009 Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients

Governor Timothy M. Kaine honored 12 Virginia educators recently as recipients of 2009 Outstanding Faculty Award for excellence in teaching, research and public service.

“These faculty members were selected by academic and business leaders as exemplary educators committed to student learning, beneficial research endeavors, and community volunteerism,” Governor Kaine said. “They represent the unique missions of their institutions and have helped make the Commonwealth’s higher education system one of the finest in the nation.”

The following HRP member universities are represented among the 2009 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients:

• Lizabeth A. Allison, the Dorman Family Term Distinguished Professor of Biology at the College of William & Mary, internationally recognized scholar in the field of traffic control in cells.

• Christopher Howard, the Pamela C. Harriman Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William & Mary, a leading expert on U.S. social policy and tax policy.

• Lawrence J. Hatab, the Louis I. Jaffe Professor of Philosophy and University Professor at Old Dominion University.

• Lawrence Weinstein, Professor of Physics at Old Dominion University, internationally recognized for his work in electron scattering nuclear physics.

Photos and additional biographical information about each of this year’s recipients can be found on the web at www.schev.edu.

The College of William & Mary also made Princeton Review's "Best Value" list, ranking No. 3 in best value in public education.

HamptonRoadsPerforms.org in the news

HamptonRoadsPerforms.org website launched on February 3rd, 2009; see the full press conference video vignettes below. The website gives citizens an opportunity to see real world results and will supplement and guide efforts by the Hampton Roads region's government and civic leaders on the development and implementation of a roadmap for the future of Hampton Roads.

Video: Introduction by John O. "Dubby" Wynne, Council on Virginia's Future Vice Chair and Hampton Roads Partnership founding member

Video: Launch of HamptonRoadsPerforms.org by the Honorable Timothy M. Kaine, Virginia's Governor

Video: Live Demo by Donna Morris, Hampton Roads Partnership Executive Vice President

Video: Wrap-Up and Next Steps by Dana Dickens, Hampton Roads Partnership President and CEO

Video: Q&A

Pew Center study highlights Virginia's use of data in difficult financial times

A new report by the Pew Center on the States titled “Trade-off Time: How Four States Continue to Deliver” commends Virginia’s data-based and results-oriented approach to budgeting and management as an effective decision-making strategy for addressing current fiscal challenges.

Of specific note, the Pew Center said the state's website Virginia Performs has "created a culture of evidence-based decision making that allows Virginia’s leaders to systematically tackle the state’s budget crisis and increase agency productivity,” adding that Virginia “will be better positioned to weather bad times” because of its budgeting and management practices.

The Virginia Performs website, launched in January 2007, focuses on seven key areas and outlines the state’s long-term goals for each. Within each area, selected societal indicators are used to help answer the question “How is Virginia doing?” Where available, data is used to compare Virginia to nearby states and national rates.

In early February 2009, the first regional version of the state's website was launched in collaboration with the Hampton Roads Partnership, HamptonRoadsPerforms.org, with the same view toward enhancing transparency and accountability.

Virginia asks everyone for Stimulus Projects submissions via new Website

~ Web portal allows all Virginians to submit projects for consideration ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today launched Stimulus.Virginia.Gov, a unique web portal to gather project ideas for potential funding from the federal stimulus package, allowing localities and citizens to contribute to the decision-making process for the distribution of any federal funds that Virginia receives.

Citizens, groups and localities of the Commonwealth may submit and exchange project ideas via the website and are also able to view proposals in a web table updated daily.

After the stimulus package becomes law, projects from Stimulus.Virginia.Gov will be identified that may qualify for funding. Projects will be evaluated and selected through a process similar to the way Virginia develops its biennial budget. In some cases, the information will be sent to localities and other appropriate governmental entities because they will be responsible for prioritizing projects.

The Commonwealth will be accepting proposals submitted through the web site beginning today with an end date to be determined and announced when conditions and stipulations of the final economic stimulus package are known.

Video highlights of HamptonRoadsPerforms.org Launch

Governor of Virginia - Timothy M. Kaine
Launch of Hampton Roads Performs - February 3, 2009

Governor Kaine delivers remarks at the launch of Hampton Roads Performs, a new website that will support regional planning efforts and allow citizens to monitor Hampton Roads' progress on more than 35 quality of life indicators.

VIDEO Link

"New View" for Virginia’s Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads, Virginia -- The Hampton Roads Partnership launched Hampton Roads Performs, a “new view” for Hampton Roads, on Tuesday, February 3rd atop the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, the tallest building in Virginia, a 38-story high rise hotel and condominium residence. As Chair of the Council on Virginia’s Future, Governor Tim Kaine participated in the launch of the new website focusing on regional performance in Hampton Roads.

Hampton Roads Performs is a multi-year, collaborative project of the Hampton Roads Partnership and the Council on Virginia’s Future. The Council, established by the 2003 Virginia General Assembly, is comprised of state, business and community leaders, who are committed to improving the quality of life for all Virginians.

The website shows how well the Hampton Roads region is doing on a broad array of quality of life indicators, many of which are aligned with the Council’s own site, Virginia Performs, while others are unique and will be further customized to Hampton Roads. It features a “Hampton Roads Scorecard,” highlighting each indicator’s performance and whether it is trending downward, improving or maintaining.

Hampton Roads Performs, www.HamptonRoadsPerforms.org, is modeled after the Virginia Performs website, launched in early 2007, and will serve as the first regional prototype in Virginia. The purpose is to inform and engage citizens with Hampton Roads’ progress and its future as well as significantly enhancing government transparency and accountability. The website gives citizens an opportunity to see real world results and will supplement and guide efforts by government and civic leaders on the development and implementation of a roadmap for Hampton Roads’ future.

Organizations can use the scorecard and research in community education and dialogue as well as to structure and facilitate civic engagement processes in the future.

Click HERE for an easy how-to-use-the-website Guide to HamptonRoadsPerforms.org.

HamptonRoadsPerforms.org, Governor's Press Announcement

HamptonRoadsPerforms.org is a new performance site that focuses on Virginia's Hampton Roads region. A collaborative project between the Council on Virginia's Future and the Hampton Roads Partnership, the site shows how well the region is doing on a broad array of indicators; many of these measures are aligned with Virginia Performs, while others are unique to the region.