It's Officially SmartRegion.org

This blog has moved to http://SmartRegion.org.

SmartRegion.org is the answer to the call from Hampton Roads’ citizens for one regional focus, one reliable source of information (think “Wikipedia”), a portal to connect Hampton Roads’ organizations, citizens and civic leaders.

SmartRegion.org focuses on all aspects of regional collaboration and action in pursuit of global economic competitiveness, incorporating business, education, defense, technology, government and citizens; it especially highlights the military, research and technology (including modeling and simulation, energy and the environment), infrastructure (including port and maritime logistics), tourism and educational components of Hampton Roads’ economy. And, it links to the major economy- and political-focused bloggers in Hampton Roads.

Visiting Hampton Roads: Bermuda, Jamestown, Virginia and Shakespeare

by Victoria Cash, Director of Leisure at CI TRavel; Cruising Norfolk is the blog devoted entirely to Norfolk Cruises. It is published as a community service by CI Travel to connect travelers going on cruises from Norfolk to share comments, experiences, suggestions and tips for great things to do while on or off the ship.

Did you know that Bermuda was settled 400 years ago (1609) as a result of a shipwreck? Even more interesting, it was that shipwreck which inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest"!

"Let me live here forever
So rare a wondered father and wife
Makes this place a paradise."

- William Shakespeare, "The Tempest"

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's founding, the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs is having a special Jamestown - Bermuda exhibition from May 13 - May 31. the exhibition "...explores governmental, religious and trade connections between England’s second permanent colony in the New World and its first – Jamestown, Virginia founded in 1607.

The exhibition illuminates Bermuda’s unique character: strategic location and historic stone forts; extraordinary importance of sports and recreation; and land and seascapes immortalized by internationally renowned artists, leading to Bermuda’s rise in the 20th century as a premier travel destination." according to the official Bermuda Tourism website.

Enquiries: Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, 81 Court Street, Hamilton HM12, tel 441 292 8990, fax 441 292 2474, email bermuda2009@gov.bm, website www.bermuda2009.bm

Just a unique cultural experience you may want to mosey on over to while in port.

Originally posted on the Cruise Norfolk Blog and reprinted here by permission of the author.

Pungo Strawberry Festival, unique community support in rural Virginia Beach (yes, rural)

Hampton Roads' charities use the annual Pungo Strawberry Festival, the 26th celebrated in 2009, to raise money. The Lions Club sells strawberry shortcakes, money they raise to help kids with diabetes. Breast cancer survivors were raffling a Harley to help raise money to find a cure. Crowds in Pungo this Memorial Day weekend were looking for more they strawberries, they're eager to help their community. All proceeds from our Festival are donated to non-profit community and service organizations.


The festival is a family-oriented, wholesome, alcohol-free event. You'll find all the strawberries you can eat - and drink - offered in over 50 different ways, a pie eating contest, continuous entertainment on three stages, a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, a livestock show and sale, a multi-million dollar military display, pig races, youth art show, and arts and craft booths.


Thanks to Wayne Carter of WVEC.com for his coverage.

photos by Missy Schmidt, Communication Manager for the Hampton Roads Partnership. Being from the rural western side of Virginia and a relative newcomer to the region, finding a wonderful venue that reminds me of home was a wonderful compliment to all that Hampton Roads has to offer.

Visiting Hampton Roads: The Great American Backyard Barbeque

photos and story by Kaitlyn Fohl

This past weekend (May 22-May 24), the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach oceanfront was bustling with excitement. In honor of Memorial Day and the start of summer, people crowded the area to take part in the Great American Backyard Barbeque.


The Great American Backyard Barbeque is a token to delicious food and soulful music. The event pays respect to the roots of American life – pulled pork, sweet country music, and the blues. It’s an event designed with the whole family in mind. The BBQ is brought to residents and visitors alike by Beach Street USA, the events program presented by the City of Virginia Beach, with concerts, festivals, and activities primarily held at the oceanfront resort area.


This year, local vendors lined the boardwalk near the 31st street and 21st street concert arenas. The sweet, smoky smell of roasted barbeque was impossible to resist while enjoying the musical talents of blues artists like Marcia Ball and Roomful of Blues, and country artists like Keith Anderson, Sammy Kershaw, and Jason Michael Carroll.

In addition to fantastic food and music, the boardwalk was also lined with essays written by Advanced Placement U.S. History students at Salem High School. The essays covered historical military events that our country has been a part of over the years. Each essay was printed on a large banner and the banners lined the boardwalk all the way from 17th street to 31st street. This display of patriotism was called the “Heroes Walk”.


To conclude the eventful weekend, fireworks lit up the night sky at ten o’clock on Sunday evening. This colorful demonstration was the perfect way to top off the American Backyard Barbeque. One can only hope next year’s barbeque bash will be just as successful and fun!


Kaitlyn Fohl is a rising sophomore at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech, Go Hokies!) in International Studies and Art. Kaitlyn is a resident of Virginia Beach and completed the Teen Apprenticeship Program at the Contemporary Art Center in 2008. For Summer 2009, Kaitlyn is an intern with the Hampton Roads Partnership covering Arts, Culture, History and Tourism with her own special flair.

Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement's first e-Newsletter

In practical terms, the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement’s long-term goal is to change the way that public decisions are made in Hampton Roads.

For the Center, there are multiple underlying operating assumptions:

1. First, that the inclusion of citizens in the public choices related to their region’s quality of life and future enhances the quality and sustainability of public decisions and supports accountability and transparency.
   
   
2. And second, that citizens have both rights and duties to participate in the shaping of their community and all public decision making will be improved by the informed engagement of citizens.

To read more and see HRCCE's first issue of their electronic newsletter: http://www.hrcce.org/publications/May2009Newsletter.html

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.

Commonwealth Transportation Board Draft 2015 Six-Year Improvement Program

Download the Draft 2015 Six-Year Improvement Plan HERE

Hampton Roads District Public Hearings will be held Thursday, June 4, at 6pm at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) presented a draft Six-Year Improvement Program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2010-2015 to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). The total proposed program is $7.4 billion, down from $8.9 billion in the revised FY 2009-2014 budget approved three months ago.

The FY 2010-2015 budget reflects $650 million in cuts to the highway program and $880 million in reductions to rail and transit. The highway declines are largely a result of continued state and federal revenue shortfalls, while the transit and rail declines are mainly attributed to the transition of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which reduced the program by $776 million.

“The commonwealth is continually challenged to meet federal obligations and state maintenance requirements for our highway system while dealing with drastic declines in state and federal revenues,” said Pierce R. Homer, Virginia secretary of transportation. “We have been able to maintain our rail and transit programs and services.”

Transportation revenue reductions have forced the CTB to significantly reduce the six-year program over the past several years:

• Fiscal years 2008-13 program adopted June 2007: $11 billion ($8.7 billion for highways)
• Fiscal years 2009-14 program adopted June 2008: $10.6 billion ($7.9 billion for highways)
• Revised fiscal years 2009-14 program adopted February 2009: $8.9 billion ($6.0 billion for highways)
• Proposed Fiscal years 2010-2015 program: $7.4 billion ($5.4 billion for highways)

VDOT also applied previously allocated but unused dollars from interstate projects to fund two major ready-to-go projects in order to match federal funds for FY 2009. More than $97 million from projects with phases that were not currently under way was reallocated in order to complete the I-95 bridge rehabilitation and I-64 paving projects in the Richmond District.

“After reducing the highway program by $2 billion in the revised FY 2009-2014 program, VDOT is again faced with more program funding challenges,” said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern, P.E. “VDOT is stretching every dollar to ensure federal and state obligations are met, and using available funds to keep projects that can move forward progressing as quickly as possible.”

Funding Reductions for Highway Program from the FY 2009-2014 Revised Program to the Proposed FY 2010-2015 Program

• Interstate: $1.4 billion to $1.3 billion
• Primary: $ 1.3 billion to $1.0 billion
• Secondary: $0.6 billion to $0.5 billion
• Urban: $0.5 billion to $0.4 billion

“While the reduction in available state rail, transit and commuter service funding in the draft FY2010-2015 program is primarily due to the reassignment of the Dulles Metrorail project, the transit and rail programs and services have been spared the drastic reductions of other areas of government,” said DRPT Director Charles M. Badger, P.E.

The Commonwealth of Virginia will host public hearings across the state in June to receive public input on the Fiscal Years 2010-2015 Six-Year Improvement Program for highway, transit, rail and commuter service improvements. CTB members will host the hearings and leaders from VDOT and DRPT will attend and provide information.

Written comments may be submitted to the following locations and must be received by June 12:

Public Information Office
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219
drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov

Programming Director
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
six-yearprogram@vdot.virginia.gov

For more information, visit the CTB Web site at www.CTB.Virginia.gov, the VDOT Web site, www.VirginiaDOT.org, or the DRPT Web site at www.drpt.virginia.gov.


CONTACTS:
Jeff Caldwell, Jeffrey.Caldwell@vdot.virginia.gov
Jennifer Pickett, Jennifer.Pickett@drpt.virginia.gov

Joint Warfighting Conference

The United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) bloggers share their coverage of the Joint Warfighting Conference held May 12-14, 2009 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. They "twittered" and they "live-blogged" for a truly enhanced social media experience. Click on the blog post titles to visit their blog at USJFCOMLive:

Deputy secretary speaks at Joint Warfighting Conference
Posted by Gregg Your on May 14, 2009
Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn shared his thoughts on today’s joint force and the future of the department to close the three-day Joint Warfighting Conference organized by USJFCOM, NDIA, the U.S. Naval Institute and AFCEA.

One key quote really reflected the whole conference’s theme.

We need a truly joint force capable of confronting the full spectrum of threats. This budget has the means to back them up. We reaffirmed our commitment to joint force, not only in the way we fight, but in the way we buy. Read more.


How USJFCOM executes the mission of building the joint force
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
This is the last day and my last blog at the Joint Warfighting Conference in Virginia Beach, Va. I have been listening to Craig Wilson, USJFCOM’s Strategy and Policy Directorate, chief of staff, address the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO) and USJFCOM strategic themes. His closing remarks are focused on how USJFCOM is executing the mission of building the joint force to best meet the demands of the future security environment.

Wilson said USJFCOM’s execution to meet this mission set begins with the authoring or informing on doctrines like the JOE and CCJO that articulate both the demand signal and solutions to operate in the future.

He goes on to highlight other areas of what USJFCOM’s doing.

• Rigorous experimentation to support the development of future warfighting capabilities.
• Creating vision statements such as the IW and C2 vision statements that aid not only USJFCOM but all of DoD [Department of Defense].
• Working rapidly to inject operational lessons learned from the battlefield back into the fights we’re in.
• Conducting mission rehearsal exercises for forces moving forward and many other exercises in support of our fellow COCOMs.

According to Wilson, this is a snapshot of USJFCOM’s effort to build the joint force.

What a great conference. I enjoyed talking to you!


The CCJO tells the story of the military’s role
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
In our booth at the Joint Warfighting Conference, Wilson talks to how the CCJO describes the joint operations for policy makers.

Wilson said the CCJO provides one means for the chairman to “tell the story of the military’s role as an instrument of national power.”

He went on to say that the CCJO describes the joint force as an instrument of policy, discussing what the joint force brings to national efforts, its fundamental purpose to deter and wage war.

“The joint force must provide options, competencies for political leaders,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the central tenant of the CCJO is that the joint force can generate integrated and adaptive joint operations through interrelated needs.

“Understanding each situation on its own terms, not redefining to conform to some pre-doctrinal solution,” Wilson said. “Integrating and applying some combination of combat, security, relief and reconstruction and engagement to meet the circumstances presented and assessing and modifying as needed.”


Czech Republic officers voice opinion
Posted by nikkicarter on May 14, 2009
While looking for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s business manager, I met up with two Army Czech Republic officers among the various booths. I asked them what they thought of this years Joint Warfighting Conference so far.

Army Lt. Col. Jerry Jancura replied that he found the panels very interesting and informative in topic. He said he is trying to understand the U.S. take on joint warfighting and working with interagency, non-governmental organizatons and the rest of the international community.


A blueprint of how military forces will conduct future operations
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
I’m sitting here listening to Craig Wilson, chief of staff for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s (USJFCOM) Strategy and Policy Directorate, J5 at the USJFCOM booth on the last day of the 2009 Joint Warfighting Conference, discuss the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO).

Wilson said the central mission of the USJFCOM is to develop a blueprint of how military forces will conduct future operations and to test this blueprint in the most realistic and challenging ways possible.

“The first step in developing this blueprint is to understand the terrain upon which our structure is to be built,” Wilson said. “For USJFCOM this terrain is known as the future operating environment.”

Wilson explained the JOE provides a perspective on future trends, shocks, context and implications of future joint force commanders. The Capstone Concept for Joint Operations is the overarching concept for the family of joint concepts, presenting the chairman’s vision of how the future joint force will operate.

“The intent was to create a document that would provide the intellectual foundation for the military professional and for the development of future concepts,” Wilson said. More to follow…


On the floor…
Posted by nikkicarter on May 14, 2009
With the final day of the conference well under way, small groups of people are scattered throughout the convention center exchanging business cards and conversing amongst one another.

I was stopped by a gentleman named Sam Benzacar with the Anatech Electronics, Inc. He told me that he has done multiple conference but this was the first time at the Joint Warfighting Conference, it was a last minute decision but they felt that with the way the tradeshow was going, it was a good decision.

Also I found a very helpful little tid-bit that the U.S. Navy has, a 24/7 assistance center called Global Distance Support Center and it’s available to all branches of the military for ANY problem or topic. Technical and Maintenance, logistics or manpower, training and education or just press “4″ for all others. How great would that have been while deployed?


The importance of global trade
Posted by katrinaparker on May 14, 2009
Senior Vice President for Maritime Services MaerskLine Mr. Stephen Carmel started off the third and final day of the Joint Warfighting Conference with a plenary address. He spoke to the audience about the importance and global impact of trade.

“Trade is frequently cited as a force of peace and as a source of conflict. It is constructive to remember that the cause of World War I and II are routed in the discontinuous transport of information and technology. I feel it is worth exploring where trade and instability intersect. The world is complex now and operated in networks that can be hard to understand. Cyber attacks can seriously hurt military performances, and trading services is universally dependent on the global information system.”

Carmel let the audience know that his remarks are calibrated from his belief that the worlds economy will right itself quickly, but until then, opportunity arises in times of turmoil. He also spoke of the risks associated with import.

“The action and reaction associated with the nature of trade is likely to be non-liner. The U.S. must be more self-sufficient. Keeping a stable market is essential for success.”


SOCOM commander discusses balance
Posted by Gregg Your on May 13, 2009
During a speech at the Joint Warfighting Conference, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command discussed how balanced warfare reflects how many U.S. special operations forces operate alongside other forces.

“We need to be responsive enough to adjust rapidly to what the enemy throws at us and we need to have the agility to transcend the spectrum of conflict; the ability to do so proactively requires a holistic approach to warfare.” Read more.


Joint capability development
Posted by susydodson on May 13, 2009
It’s just after lunch and I’m sitting in the middle of a standing-room-only Joint Warfighting Conference attendees waiting to hear Maj. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, director for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s (USJFCOM) Joint Capability Development (J8) directorate.

The Joint Capability Development identifies near-and far-term joint, multinational, and interagency capability gaps and works with other combatant commands, the services, coalition partners, and agencies to fill those shortfalls with integrated capabilities.

More to come. Maj. Gen. Kennedy just arrived.


Talking about the JOE and CCJO at the Joint Warfighting Conference
Posted by susydodson on May 13, 2009
I’m listening to Joe Purser give a brief overview of the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO). Purser said the JOE provides context for the future joint force - “the demand signals.”

Purser said the JOE is the problem statement, our understanding of the military in the future.

“It establishes this conceptual framework that we can we go forward … to that place of development and experimentation,” Purser said.

Purser said the 2009 version [JOE] will reflect the new dynamics in the world today, the economic downturn and the global economic situation. The 2009 JOE will be available for download on an open source website within the next 30 to 35 days.

As Purser turned the focus to the CCJO, he said the [CCJO] is the solution for the challenges the JOE …. for the joint force.

He said the CCJO talks in terms of 5 broad national security challenges.

1. win the nation’s wars
2. deter aggression
3. develop cooperative security
4. defend the homeland
5. respond to civil crisis

Gotta run. For more on the implications of the CCJO see you in the next blog!

Unsung Hero Community Impact Awards, Hampton Roads

On May 20, 2009, WHRO honored the following individuals and organizations, the unsung heroes of Hampton Roads, with Community Impact Awards, thanks to the support of Dominion Virginia Power. Each has a video highlighting why they're heroes:

ENVIRONMENT
Timothy A. Reisch
Mid-Atlantic Supervisory Environmental Engineer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Watch Video

EDUCATION
Edward P. “Ned” McCabe
Founder and Director, Portsmouth Reads
Watch Video

PUBLIC SAFETY
Veronica McMillian
Founder and Executive Director, Let’s Talk, Inc.
Watch Video

REGIONALISM
Sydney Moroney
President, Empower Hampton Roads
Watch Video

SOCIAL JUSTICE
Mervin D. Pitchford
Vice President, Community Services Branch of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
Watch Video

Salute to the Military on Memorial Day 2009, from The Hampton Roads Flagpole

A weekly compilation of information impacting Hampton Roads military and federal capabilities, from the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.


Mullen: Drones Future Stalwart of U.S. Force (DefenseNews.com, May 14, 2009) Unmanned aircraft likely represent the future for U.S. military aviation, with next generation bombers and fighter planes operating without pilots onboard, the top U.S. military officer said. “We’re at a real time of transition here in terms of the future of aviation, and the whole issue of what is going to be manned and what is going to be unmanned,” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate hearing.

Defense Secy. Gates Repeats Support for Mayport Move (Virginian-Pilot, May 15, 2009) Local congressmen trying to halt the Navy’s plan to move an aircraft carrier from Norfolk, Va., to Mayport, Fla., got a reality check on Capitol Hill this week. Although the decision has been postponed, both Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, made it clear in congressional testimony that they still think the move makes good strategic sense. The Pentagon said last month the issue would be studied as part of its upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review, delaying a final decision until 2011. Local members of Congress celebrated that announcement as a signal that Norfolk might be able to hang on to its five locally based carriers and their associated economic benefits. But this week’s testimony made it clear that top Pentagon officials have not changed their minds about the wisdom of the proposed move.

Navy: F-35 Fighter Jets Needed By 2015 Deadline (WSJ.com, May 14, 2009) The chief of naval operations said that on-time delivery of Lockheed Martin’s next-generation Joint Strike Fighter will be critical in closing the gap of the fighter jets needed to match current and future threats. Adm. Gary Roughead told the House Armed Services Committee that the service’s current fleet of legacy F/A-18s from Boeing is rapidly aging and will need to be replaced quickly. Those jets have seen substantial action supporting forces on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.

San Antonio To Get AF Cyber Command (San Antonio Express-News, May 15, 2009, Pg. 1) Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio has been selected as the headquarters for a new cyber command, an official close to the process said, bringing an influx of infrastructure, security and 400 staffers. The official announcement was expected today. The headquarters will include the commander’s staff and an operations center that will focus on defending Air Force computers against attack and preventing disruptions.

Marshall, Mattis To Lead QDR 'Red Team' (DefenseNews.com, May 15, 2009) U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced this week he has tapped two prominent defense thinkers to head the team that will challenge the conclusions of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR).

Mantra at U.S. Navy Budget Hearing: Wait for QDR (DefenseNews.com, May 14, 2009) The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) due to be sent to Congress in February will answer many of today's questions, senior U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders told lawmakers May 14.

Last Manned Aircraft?: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) Despite eliminating the Air Force's next-generation bomber from the 2010 defense budget, Defense Secretary Robert Gates acknowledged it was his personal view that "we probably do need a follow-on bomber." But he told the Senate Armed Services Committee during May 14 testimony that much had changed since the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review directed USAF to field the NGB by 2018. And, he now believes that the outcome of the new QDR and Nuclear Posture Review may provide different insight on that bomber and will question "whether, for example, the follow-on bomber needs to have a pilot in it." Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed, declaring, "There are those that see the JSF [F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter] as the last manned fighter—or fighter bomber or—or jet, and I'm one that's inclined to believe that." (The Air Force is slated to purchase the last of its 1,763 JSFs in 2034.) Mullen said, "We're at a real time of transition here in terms of the future of aviation, and the whole issue of what's going to be manned and what's going to be unmanned, what's going to be stealthy, what isn't, how do we address these threats … it's changing, even from 2006."

Gates Demands Review of U.S. Service Chiefs’ Wish Lists (DefenseNews.com, May 18, 2009, Pg. 1) Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who issued a gag order as the 2010 budget request was being prepared, is now inserting himself into a process designed by Congress to promote candid answers from military leaders, raising members’ fears that they are not receiving enough information on defense spending. In April, Gates ordered the service chiefs to brief him on their unfunded requirements lists before they went to Congress. That briefing was set for May 15. “I have no problem with them putting together a list of unfundeds, but the law requires them to inform me about that list before they send it up here,” Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 14. “What I have tried to do ... is to bring some discipline to a budgetary process that, shall we say, lacked a certain measure of discipline in the past.”

Cash-Strapped Navy Puts Hold on Transfers, Goodwill Visits By Ships $930 Million Funding Backlog May Affect Service’s Readiness (Honolulu Advertiser, May 17, 2009) A cash-strapped Navy has halted 14,000 duty station moves and is reducing by one-third the sailing time of non-deployed ships and cutting back on aviation flight hours and ship visits to U.S. cities to counter a $930 million ship repair and manpower budget shortfall, officials said. That funding backlog is being addressed by Congress; Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, on Thursday added $190 million to a defense supplemental bill. The mid-year funds are intended to pay for repairs to the Pearl Harbor-based cruiser Port Royal, which ran aground in February off Honolulu airport, as well as to fix the submarine Hartford and amphibious ship New Orleans following their collision in March in the Strait of Hormuz. Inouye also increased Navy personnel funding by $230 million to address a $350 million manpower-cost shortfall, officials said. The Navy expects to recoup about $89 million with the duty station freeze, the Navy Times reported.

140,000 more feds next year (FederalTimes.com, May 18, 2009) by Stephen Losey
The executive branch will grow to more than 2 million civilian employees for the first time in 15 years, under President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget plan. The growing ranks of government employees reflect the ever-growing responsibilities many agencies are taking on and the different priorities President Obama has from his predecessor: The Defense Department’s workforce will grow by about 19,000 full-time equivalent positions, most of which will come from converting — or “insourcing” — about 13,800 contractor jobs to federal employee jobs. This is the largest staffing increase proposed for next year, aside from Commerce.

No Tricare Fee Hike: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Fiscal 2010 defense budget does not—repeat does not—contain a provision to increase the Tricare fees for retired military personnel, unlike the past three defense budgets in which the Bush Administration tried to raise fees as one means to offset higher healthcare costs.

Housing Relief: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Defense Department has temporarily expanded the Housing Assistance Program with a $555 million boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help military members who have trouble selling their primary residence in the midst of the economic downturn. That means those members at bases undergoing BRAC 2005-directed drawdowns don't have to prove the BRAC action drove the local housing market down.

Congress Will Make Own Shipbuilding Plan: Lawmaker (DefenseNews.com, May 15, 2009) The U.S. Navy's new shipbuilding budget faced a focused round of congressional scrutiny May 15, absent a familiar element: the 30-year fleet plan that generates a central part of the annual debate.

Ex-Gov. Mabus Sworn in as New Navy Secretary (Jackson Clarion-Ledger, May 20, 2009) Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus has been sworn in as the secretary of the Navy, putting him in a key post in the new administration. “He’s going to be a very good choice,” said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute, because Mabus has a close relationship with President Obama and a good understanding of global diplomacy. But it is Mabus’ political skills that will be particularly useful in his new role, Thompson said.

Lawmakers Say Air Force Plane Cuts May Be Too Deep (WashingtonPost.com, May 19, 2009) House lawmakers say the Air Force could end up flat-footed if it carries out plans to end big programs like the C-17 cargo plane and retires fighter jets while waiting for new ones that are still being tested. The Air Force’s roughly $115.6 billion 2010 base budget request includes a significant shift in weapons buying, ending some politically popular but expensive programs like the C-17 and the F-22 fighter plane. It calls for retiring roughly 250 fighter jets on an accelerated schedule in anticipation of building up its fleet of F-35s from Lockheed Martin. But members of the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday questioned whether that leaves the Air Force with enough planes to perform its mission. They cited other proposed changes, like halving the number of planned C-27 cargo jets and scrapping current plans to build a new long range bomber.

Air Force's "Underfunded" Priorities: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Air Force's wish-list of some 20 additional items not included in its Fiscal 2010 budget request landed on Capitol Hill Monday evening. Noteworthy is the fact that the list adds up to slightly more than $1.9 billion, less than a tenth of last year's $20 billion list of unfunded priorities.

Chambliss: Hill Leaders 'Realize 187 F-22s Is Not Enough' (DefenseNews.com, May 20, 2009) Congressional proponents of more F-22 fighters will aim to put extra money for the stealthy jets in the 2010 U.S. defense appropriations bill, a key senator says.

Lest There Be Any Doubt: (InsideDefense.com, May 20, 2009) During a May 19 House Armed Services Committee budget hearing, several lawmakers questioned Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff, about curtailment of F-22 production at only 187 aircraft and insistence by DOD officials that those 187 aircraft met military need. In one instance, Schwartz's response was short and sweet: "Two forty-three is the right number and 187 is the affordable force."

Current QDR Will Push Gates' Reshaping: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 20, 2009) Irregular warfare and counterinsurgency capabilities not surprisingly are among key focus areas to be scrutinized in the just-commenced Quadrennial Defense Review, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy told the Defense Writers Group Wednesday morning. Flournoy acknowledged that this QDR will be a "leader driven process" that involves Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn, and other senior leadership. One thing that makes this QDR unique, said Flournoy, is that it is jumping off from an established National Defense Strategy, the one Gates released last year. In fact, she said, there is a "pretty clear consensus internally and interagency" on guidance and priorities and that this QDR will inform program and budget decisions. She added, "This is not some separate process; this is creating a strategic framework to drive that process." Flournoy also acknowledged that the rebalancing Gates started with the Fiscal 2010 budget proposal will move forward under this review. She expects various working groups to complete their work by the end of the summer, making it possible for the QDR insights to help "frame and guide decision making" for the 2011 program objective memorandum.

DoD Official: QDR Will Lead To Further ‘Rebalancing’ of Weapons in FY ‘11 (DefenseDaily.com, May 21, 2009) The Pentagon leadership is “very consciously” moving to implement further program changes in the fiscal year 2011 budget cycle using the latest round of a major weapons portfolio review conducted every four years, a top Defense Department official said. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said this year’s Quadrennial Defense Review will have more practical ramifications for the Pentagon’s budget than QDRs of years past have had. “This is not some separate process,” Flournoy told defense reporters. “This is creating the strategic framework that will drive” fiscal 2011 budget priorities.

F-22 Adequate for One, not Two, MCOs: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 20, 2009) Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)—the Senate's leading defender of the F-22 program and vocal critic of its cancellation—asked Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during Thursday's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Air Force 2010 budget proposal to characterize the amount of risk inherent with a program-of-record for only 183 Raptors. He asked: "What is the level of risk that we are taking at 183? Is it low, is it moderate, or is it high risk?" Schwartz replied, "I would characterize it as moderate to high." However, he added that his analysis was based on a standard two Major Combat Operations scenario set forth in past Quadrennial Defense Reviews. That two-MCO construct may well get thrown out in the new QDR being orchestrated now by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Schwartz continued, "There is no question that the program is adequate for one major combat operation."

Musical Chairs: (ShreveportTimes.com, May 22, 2009) According to a report in the Shreveport Times, Gen. William Fraser III, currently serving as the Vice Chief of Staff, is the likely successor to head Air Combat Command when Gen. John Corley retires this summer.

Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered remarks during House debate on the conference report to S. 454, the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the conference report on a vote of 411 to 0. (House Armed Services Committee website, May 21, 2009) “In the area of policy, we require DOD to balance its desire for cutting edge capabilities with the limits of its resources in setting military requirements. We require competitive acquisition strategies. We require DOD to get programs right in the early stages, when problems can be solved at low cost. We also require DOD to put intense management focus on problem programs until they are either healed, or terminated. We strengthen the Nunn-McCurdy process. And we ask DOD to eliminate or mitigate organizational conflicts of interests among its contractors.”

National Center for Health Statistics surveyed Hampton Roads

So, you’re skimming a health-related news article, and you read a sentence that goes something like these:

• “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 16 percent of American children are obese.”
• “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis is on the rise among American women age 60 and over.”

Did you ever wonder where they get those statistics? Well, this year they’re getting them from Hampton Roads.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey visited Hampton Roads area this year. The area was randomly chosen as one of 15 areas in the country to participate in the survey, and the NHANES trailers were in Hampton Roads from March 16 through May 13. For more information on NHANES, visit www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm.

The survey is a major program of the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHANES is one of the primary sources of vital health statistics used to shape public health policy, design health programs and develop standards used by physicians worldwide.

The survey attempts to replicate the U.S. population by interviewing about 7,000 individuals.

In Hampton Roads, the study sampled 458 households. About 380 people were identified to participate, and more than 200 had already been interviewed by May 4th.


excerpts from an article by Tracy Agnew of the Suffolk News-Herald, originally published on May 4, 2009

Urban League of Hampton Roads on NBC Nightly News

The Portsmouth-based Urban League of Hampton Roads was featured on NBS Nightly News with Brian Williams on Friday, May 22nd.

Ron Allen, an NBC News correspondent based in New York, interviewed Ernest Rolland, Financial Counselor for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and others about the League's services which are offering a ray of hope for hundreds of hard-pressed families facing foreclosure in the region.

Mr. Rolland shared that approximately 600 families in Hampton Roads have been helped, doubling last year's numbers.

MSNBC Video Link, May 22, 2009

The National Urban League of which the Urban League of Hampton Roads is an affiliate, is one of the oldest community-based civil rights organizations.

January 1, 2101: A look 'back' at the 21st century

by Doug Dwoyer

Hampton Roads has endured a period of rapid and challenging change over the last century. The 21st century began with great optimism in the region as the nation's and region's economies were thriving. Many trends of those times, including globalization of the world's economy, significant military activity and spending and rising coal exports, favored Hampton Roads. Our once-thriving port was rapidly expanding, fueled by globalization of trade and growing coal exports. In those heady days, the future of the region indeed looked bright.

At this time, the world began to recognize the emergence of human-induced climate change and its potential to cause major disruption during the 21st century. In 2007 a report was issued by a body called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was sponsored by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization. It projected a 5-degree to 9-degree Fahrenheit change in mean global temperature and a 1-foot to 2-foot rise in sea level by 2100. Shortly after this report was issued, scientists began to discover rapid melting and deterioration of the Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets, leading to fears of even greater sea-level rise.


Unfortunately, people around the world, including those in Hampton Roads, did not seriously respond to these warnings and continued to operate as if climate change was something abstract and not important in their daily lives.

As we know today, the projections in the 2007 IPCC report on global temperature rise were remarkably accurate, as now in 2101 it is about 10 degrees warmer around the planet than it was in 2001.

On the other hand, we have experienced a far greater sea-level rise than predicted, with sea level about 6 feet higher today than in 2001. As Greenland and West Antarctica continue their rapid melting today, there is no end in sight to rapid sea-level rise. The impact of these global changes on our region has been nothing short of devastating.

Old-timers in Hampton Roads can recall large areas of our region east of U.S. Route 17 that were above water and populated. Large areas of Gloucester and York counties, as well as major sections of Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, were home to thriving communities, businesses, factories and other assets. The city of Poquoson, which no longer exists, had a population of about 11,000 in 2001 and was a rapidly growing bedroom community.

Our major highway links across the harbor, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel are frequently overwashed and require constant repair.

These old-timers can recall a vast military presence in the region. After the devastation caused by the major hurricanes of 2038 and 2042 and subsequent inundation, the Air Force was forced to abandon Langley Air Force Base, and by 2075 the Navy was also forced to abandon the Norfolk naval base and numerous other facilities due to inundation as well. With the loss of these military facilities, the region lost a major part of its employment base and population.


In the early 21st century, Hampton Roads was a thriving, waterfront-oriented region, and much of our then-acclaimed lifestyle was focused on living near and playing on the water.

Today that is hard to imagine, as our waterfront is dominated by abandoned buildings slowly being claimed by the bay or sea. Abandoned roads, sewage treatment facilities and other utilities lie just beneath the surface in the near-shore areas. The massive pollution from all of this has ruined the quality of the water itself, as well as making nearshore navigation hazardous. Indeed, the water has transformed from being a regional asset in 2001 to a hazardous, polluted eyesore that is inexorably devouring the region in 2101.

Looking back on this sad state of affairs for Hampton Roads in 2101, we can only wish that our ancestors a century or more ago had taken the ample warnings more seriously before these irreversible changes began. We could today live in a very different, more prosperous and enjoyable Hampton Roads than the sorry state our community has instead inherited.

Doug Dwoyer retired from NASA Langley Research Center as associate director for operations. He is project director for the Hampton Roads Research Partnership. This article was originally published on March 1, 2009 in the Daily Press and is reprinted here by permission of the author.

NOTE: Outside of New Orleans, Hampton Roads is the largest population area at greatest risk from sea-level rise according to the US Geological Service. (Thieler, E.R., and Hammar-Klose, E.S., 1999. National assessment of coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise: Preliminary results for the U.S. Atlantic coast. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99-593).

From the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality; Click on map above for larger view.

ISSUE PAPER Outlying Landing Field (OLF): Impacts of A Worst Case Scenario

PURPOSE

To discuss the impacts of a worst case scenario in which an OLF to support Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is not located in Virginia or North Carolina.

SUMMARY

The future of NAS Oceana – and to some extent Naval Station Norfolk - is strategically, operationally, and politically tied directly to finding an OLF that meets the Navy’s requirements. Should Navy decision makers not have the benefit of politically and operationally viable sites that meet their mission requirements, they could find themselves in a ‘checkmate’ situation, with no long range alternative other than to find a new east coast master jet base.

Once this situation develops, the ability of the Virginia congressional delegation, the Commonwealth, and the Hampton Roads region to prevent the loss of an aircraft carrier to another homeport and the loss of other capabilities will be seriously hampered – if not fatally neutralized. This IS the worst case scenario.

BACKGROUND

An OLF to augment existing carrier landing practice capabilities at NAS Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress is required to provide the operational robustness necessary to NAS Oceana’s ability to accomplish its mission.

Strong, well-organized public opposition and the eventual political collapse of the Navy’s preferred OLF site (Site C) in Washington County, North Carolina, changed the dynamics of the OLF identification process, allowing the Commonwealth of Virginia to explore opportunities within the state. North Carolina officials began a parallel process and have offered alternative sites, but there is no indication that a solution exists in North Carolina. At least one of these sites is further south than Site C, extending the distance between the OLF and NAS Oceana which makes it less operationally suitable.

The Navy must soon make a decision regarding the OLF situation. That decision will be based on the results of the alternative site identification processes conducted by Virginia and North Carolina, and the existing environmental impact statement (EIS) that resulted in the earlier selection of Site C. There is a chance that the Navy may re-evaluate the original OLF sites in North Carolina should viable alternatives not be found in Virginia or North Carolina, however there is a low likelihood of this possibility. A Herculean effort would be required to pursue this course of action.

DISCUSSION

For the Commonwealth of Virginia the worst case scenario is a failure to identify any politically suitable, operationally viable OLF sites in Virginia or in North Carolina, thereby providing an incentive to the Navy to move aircraft to other locations. In this worst case scenario, the Navy will be driven by necessity to seriously examine the future viability of NAS Oceana as the east coast master jet base if it cannot meet mission requirements. This opens the door to political suitors to invigorate their efforts to attract the Navy away from NAS Oceana (NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Pensacola, FL; Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, GA; etc.) and establish a new east coast master jet base.

Further, there is an undisputed relationship between carrier aircraft basing and aircraft carrier homeporting; proximity is preferred.

The following considerations are germane:

• While the cost of constructing a new master jet base from scratch with an adequate OLF nearby is on the order of $1.8 billion, the relocation to an existing base – particularly one with a welcoming political and public environment – is less expensive. State or local incentives could make such a move even more attractive to the Navy.
  
  
• While Fleet Forces Command (FFC) has stated that the immediate challenge is an OLF to support NAS Oceana, it is not unreasonable to believe that a more strategic, longer-term view has long considered the idea of establishing a new master jet base to replace NAS Oceana.
  
  
• The newly nominated FFC Commander, Vice Admiral Greenert – assuming he is confirmed – will be the most junior four star in the Navy. He is a submariner whose operational experience is all with the Pacific Fleet and he has no prior affiliation with Hampton Roads.
  
  
• The current Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Rear Admiral Ruehe retires in October. He is being relieved by Rear Admiral Mark S. Boensel, the current Commander Navy Region Southeast – in whose region many of the potential suitor sites for locating a master jet base exist.
  
  
• The EIS for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is likely very problematic for NAS Oceana given current noise and other issues surrounding NAS Oceana. As the Navy integrates JSF into the force it will need to find more suitable operating bases out of necessity.
  
  
• A second law suit seeking $500 million in damages has just been filed regarding the noise at NAS Oceana; earlier this year the Department of Justice settled a similar law suit for $38 million, setting a potential precedent for the success of a new suit. It is questionable whether or not the settlement of the first suit would support the later basing of JSF at Oceana by precluding a subsequent suit.
  
  
• While Virginia and Hampton Roads are represented on both the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services, and they have thus far been aggressive and effective in protecting existing capabilities, potential opponents both outnumber and outrank our congressional delegation. Further, Hampton Roads is not represented on either the Senate or House Committees on Appropriations. Thus, the Virginia congressional delegation’s ability to continue to protect existing capabilities and advocate for new ones becomes more problematic.

CONCLUSION

Failure to find an operationally viable OLF site in Virginia is the seminal point in characterizing the Navy’s future footprint – and economic and cultural impact of that presence – in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Hampton Roads region. Without an OLF supporting NAS Oceana, the Navy will be pressured to put NAS Oceana on the next Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) list or initiate movement of aircraft to other locations, likely to be accompanied by the relocation of an aircraft carrier. The result will be a dramatically changed military landscape in Hampton Roads in the next 5 to 10 years.

Author: Frank Roberts, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) whose mission 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.

NOTE: The original date of this paper is Oct 2007. RADM Boensel has been Navy Mid-Atlantic Commander since Nov 2007. VADM Greenert has been Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command since Sep 2007 and is off to become the new Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy, this summer.

VMA Service and Port of Hampton Roads Champion Awards

from David White, Vice President of the Virginia Maritime Association; contact David at (757) 622-2639or at VMA@PortOfHamptonRoads.com.

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) has announced the presentation of the following awards:

• "Distinguished Service Award" to Colonel Dionysios “Dan” Anninos, Commander of the Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• “Port Champion” to Captain Martin J. Moynihan, Executive Director of the Port of Richmond until his retirement in 2008
• "Port Champion" to Captain Patrick B. Trapp, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads until his promotion in April, 2009

Captain J. William Cofer, President of VMA made the awards presentations in front of an audience of 900 at the Association's 89th Annual Maritime Banquet, held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott hotel on the evening of May 14, 2009. Col. Anninos, Capt. Moynihan and Capt. Trapp were presented with Resolutions of Appreciation for their respective and unique contributions promoting, protecting and encouraging the Port of Hampton Roads.

The Maritime Industry, through the leadership of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA), continues to be the driving force for the progressive development of the Port of Hampton Roads. VMA was founded in 1920 for the purpose of promoting, protecting and encouraging the interests of commercial shipping through the Port of Hampton Roads. VMA's goals and purpose remain true today with over 500 members and a diverse committee structure prepared to address any subject relating to the overall operations of the Port. From physical harbor improvements to working with various governmental and legislative agencies, the Association strives to improve the great Port of Hampton Roads.

Hampton Roads Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Hampton Roads Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Project Support


The Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP), a public private organization comprised of the chief elected officials of seventeen local governments, business leaders, college and university presidents, and military commands, seeks a highly qualified contractor to provide support for development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Hampton Roads region.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), as defined by the U. S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. The CEDS analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investment priorities and funding sources.

A CEDS integrates a region’s human and physical capital planning in the service of economic development. Integrated economic development planning provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize the region’s unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity for its residents by attracting the private investment that creates jobs for the region’s residents.

A CEDS is the result of a continuing economic development planning process developed with broad-based and diverse public and private sector participation and must set forth the goals and objectives necessary to solve the economic development problems of the region and clearly define the metrics of success.

Finally, a CEDS provides a useful benchmark by which a regional economy can evaluate opportunities with other regions in the national economy.

For more information on CEDS: http://www.eda.gov/PDF/CEDSFlyer081706.pdf

The CEDS Support Contractor:

1. Works directly for the Project Manager to oversee and facilitate the CEDS process and to integrate and prioritize Sub-Committee results.
2. Provides support to Strategy Committee and Sub-Committee Leaders.
3. Facilitates public outreach working with appropriate regional entities.
4. Supports the preparation of the final report.

Qualifications:

1. Has detailed and current knowledge of Hampton Roads including its opportunities and issues.
2. Has been involved with the preparation of successful CEDS planning efforts.

Proposals should include how the contractor will support the project, information on key personnel involved, relevant accomplishments, and a budget to include travel, meeting support, and personnel costs. Proposals should be limited to no more than 4 pages, including budget.

Proposals should be sent by Monday, June 7, 2009 to:
E. Dana Dickens, III
President and CEO
Hampton Roads Partnership
430 World Trade Center
Norfolk, VA 23510
ddickens@hrp.org

Hampton Roads water projects get stimulus boost

More than $21 million in water-related projects — much of it river dredging and harbor upgrades — are among the improvements in greater Hampton Roads to be funded with economic stimulus money, officials announced this week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which released a list of civil works projects, said funds should be available almost immediately.

"We intend to quickly put these dollars into action," said Maj. Gen. Merdith "Bo" Temple, deputy commanding general for Civil and Emergency Operations.

In all, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has set aside $4.6 billion to the Corps for civil works projects around the country. Roughly two-thirds of that money goes for operation/maintenance or construction.

The Obama administration says the projects will create or keep about 57,400 direct jobs in the construction industry and another 64,000 jobs from firms that support or supply the construction business.

Included in the list is $868,000 for dredging Hampton Creek, restoring a 12-foot depth for barges and large commercial fishing vessels that have had difficulty navigating the area.

Various projects connected with the Norfolk harbor are slated to receive more than $10 million, including:

• $3 million for raising dikes at Craney Island as part of the dredged material management project
• $2.28 million to replace a spillway at Craney Island
• $2.03 million to construct breakwaters on the west shoreline of the Craney Island disposal facility to prevent continued erosion and improve water quality
• $130,000 to install safety rails and repair the Fort Norfolk sea wall
• $150,000 to repair storm damage to the Craney Island project office
• $950,000 to accomplish an environmental compliance initiative at Craney Island

In Smithfield, the Corps will spend $900,000 to dredge the Pagan River and restore the 6-foot maintenance depth. It serves the town of Smithfield and is used as a harbor of refuge and base of operations for Smithfield search and rescue.

For the Elizabeth River, $235,000 is set aside for construction of a wetlands restoration project in the drainage canal at Old Dominion University.

by Hugh Lessig of the Daily Press, excerpts from an article originally published on May 1, 2009

Virginia Arts Festival on the move

by Cinda Ayers, Annual Fund Director for the Virginia Arts Festival

Check out the sign displaying the latest rendering of the new home of the Virginia Arts Festival, the Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, located in the heart of downtown Norfolk at Charlotte and Bank Streets, adjacent to Chrysler Hall.

Named for philanthropists Clay and Jay Barr, Clay says, “My dream of a Virginia Arts Festival building and my desire to honor my late husband, a lifelong champion of our community and the arts, led me to spearhead this effort.”

The Festival’s new home will play an exceedingly critical role in the area’s cultural landscape. Specifically, the facility will serve as an education center for year-round Festival education efforts, as a rehearsal studio for both local and Festival artist-in-residence ensembles, and as a permanent office space for the Virginia Arts Festival staff.

The building plans include state of the art rehearsal space for dance, theater and music.

Naming opportunities are still available. To join the excitement, please call (757) 282-2821.

Here are two images of the sign in case you haven't yet seen it. It fronts on Charlotte Street and can be seen from that side of Chrysler Hall. When you are next at Chrysler Hall or Scope, please check it out!

Norfolk's Neighborhood Network

Norfolk’s Neighborhood Network has a mission: to serve as a vital link between city government and residents by televising important, timely and useful information. NNN TV 48 airs city-produced and independently-produced programs to educate and inform Norfolk citizens about topics relevant to their lives.

To learn more about the shows produced by the city of Norfolk and to watch current and archived episodes, visit their website, http://www.norfolk.gov/tv48/, for “Norfolk Perspectives,” “HealthWatch,” “Council Update” and “Human Services Forum.”

You don't have to live in Norfolk to know what's going on there. NNN TV-48 is available on Cox Cable TV-48, streamed live at www.Norfolk.gov, and over-the-air on WHRO World Channel 15.2.

And, check out short stories from around Norfolk on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/NorfolkTV

Building "tribes" and today's leadership

by Missy Schmidt, Communication Manager, Webmaster and Blogmaster for the Hampton Roads Partnership. Contact her at Missy@HRP.org.

Included in this video are good, thoughtful questions for the leaders in Hampton Roads as we often seem to ask "who speaks for Hampton Roads?"

TED conferences gather the world's leading thinkers and doers to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). In just four days of rapid-fire stimulation, unexpected connections are made, extraordinary insights and powerful inspiration abound. TED is about riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world, about ideas worth spreading.

Featured speakers have included Al Gore on 15 ways to avert a climate crisis, Nicholas Negroponte on his One Laptop per Child project, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Sir Kenneth Robinson on whether schools kill creativity, Robin Chase on the world’s biggest car-sharing business and road-pricing schemes that will shake up our driving habits, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery.

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts.

Direct Video Link

This TEDTalk is by Seth Godin, a bestselling author, entrepreneur and agent of change. In it, Godin argues that the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant (50,000 years) past: "tribes." Founded on shared ideas and values, "tribes" give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. Change derived in the new way ideas are created and spread and implemented. He describes today's new model of leadership; power is no longer in the hands of those who buy the most ads to convince the masses of something.

Thanks to the internet, we have ever more diverse "tribes." Rather than the homogenized social strata that was thought to be the outcome of the internet, we have more and smaller niches of interest. You can find anyone for whom you're looking and connect with them, via the Web.

Godin puts forth that today's leadership is about one simple premise: finding something worth changing, challenging the status quo, and assembling "tribes" that assemble other "tribes" until the change becomes far bigger than ourselves; it becomes a movement.

You need only a few people, perhaps 1,000 true fans, true believers, true evangelists, who will build a culture and organize others around your great ideas.

Godin asks important questions and so do we: Who are we connecting with? Who are we leading?

Good, thoughtful questions for the leaders in Hampton Roads as we seem to often ask "who speaks for Hampton Roads?"