Virginia

From 2007-2009, investments total more than $810 million

May 08, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today applauded the Virginia Resources Authority's (VRA) issuance of Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Bonds to finance $186,186,610 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, and we have made fighting pollution one of our core concerns," Governor Kaine said. "By issuing these bonds, the VRA continues to be our close partner in all of our efforts."    » read more »

Virginia strengthens participation in Germany's "Transatlantic Climate Bridge" in global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote community energy planning, and promote low-carbon technologies

April 28, 2009 -- RICHMOND -- Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Germany's Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Sigmar Gabriel, signed a bilateral Joint Declaration at the German Embassy today that commits each government to the common goals of combating the effects of climate change, achieving greater energy efficiency, collaborating on energy research and development initiatives, and developing a more climate-friendly economy. This is the second bilateral climate change agreement signed by Governor Kaine.    » read more »

April 27, 2009 -- RICHMOND — Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that, though there are no confirmed cases in Virginia, the Commonwealth is preparing for any outbreak of swine flu by increasing its communication with healthcare providers, and is preparing to receive additional antiviral medication from the Centers for Disease Control.    » read more »

Public-private collaboration to improve strength, competitiveness of employer

April 21, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), a manufacturer of glass containers for food, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, will invest $20 million to upgrade equipment at its manufacturing plant in James City County. The facility improvements, made possible through a public-private collaboration, will take place during the next 12 to 24 months and will enhance the energy efficiencies and technological capabilities of the plant. The company employs 180 people at the James City County plant.    » read more »

April 18, 2009 -- RICHMOND and WASHINGTON – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner today released a joint statement praising President Obama's appointment of Virginia Technology Secretary Aneesh Chopra to serve as the nation's first Chief Technology Officer. The announcement was made during the President's weekly Internet and radio address.    » read more »

Winter Dredge Survey Indicates Bi-State Management Actions are Having Desired Effect

April 17, 2009 --
ANNAPOLIS, MD and RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley today announced the Chesapeake Bay's adult population of blue crabs has increased substantially over last year, indicating management measures put into place in 2008 to address population declines are working.

The results of the most recent Bay-wide winter dredge survey, which is conducted annually by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), estimate the total number of crabs overwintering in the Chesapeake Bay during 2008-2009 has increased from 280 million in 2007-2008 to just over 400 million.    » read more »

Economic Crisis Strike Force working to aid displaced workers and new veterans

April 14, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today highlighted the Commonwealth's ongoing efforts to address the impact of the current economic downturn on Virginians. Virginia is continuing to open "Unemployment Express Offices" to serve displaced workers across the Commonwealth, and has formed an Economic Crisis Strike Force to coordinate state-wide response.    » read more »

Community members applaud decision to protect streams, residents

April 8, 2009 -- Appalachia, Virginia -- In a victory for community members and for clean water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revoke the "nationwide 21" mining permit for A&G Coal’s massive Ison Rock Ridge mountaintop removal coal mine in Southwest Virginia.    » read more »

Appalachian Regional Commission funding will address economic development, education, health, and water quality issues

March 26, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that he has recommended more than $2.7 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding for 17 projects in Southwest Virginia. The projects, which address issues including economic development, early childhood education, health programs, job-training and water quality, are being awarded through the ARC's Area Development and Asset-Based Development Initiative funding streams.    » read more »

Unique program gets miners back to work while receiving treatment for addiction to prescription pain medication

March 20, 2009 -- RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today the expansion of the Commonwealth substance abuse treatment program for miners in Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS) will receive $285,000 of federal funding to build on the success of its unique treatment program for miners who have lost their mining certification due to addiction to prescription pain medication. Provisions for the funds were offered by U.S. Senator Jim Webb.    » read more »

Revamped model site to provide ongoing information on recovery plan allocations and projects

March 12, 2009 -- RICHMOND — Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today launched an overhauled Stimulus.Virginia.Gov, transforming the state's original, pioneering website into Virginia's comprehensive online portal for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).    » read more »

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Provides funds to Help Maximize Children's Enrollment in Health Insurance

March 11, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will receive $1 million in funding and support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to increase enrollment and retention of eligible children in Virginia's health insurance programs, known as FAMIS and FAMIS Plus (children's Medicaid).    » read more »

March 10, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today on the signing of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Full Funding Grant Agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:

"One of my top transportation priorities has been to see Dulles Rail become a reality. The signing of the $900 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for Phase 1 of the project is an accomplishment that has taken more than 10 years to achieve and I am proud to have this honor.    » read more »

Ban will protect workers and patrons and will be strongest in traditional tobacco states

March 09, 2009 --    » read more »

Project selection and evaluation to begin, will be led by Chief of Staff Wayne Turnage

March 06, 2009 -- RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the allocation of $1.6 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to education, public safety and transportation needs in Virginia. He also announced that Chief of Staff Wayne Turnage will lead a working group that, starting today, will evaluate and appropriately route projects submitted on the Stimulus.Virginia.Gov website. Once work begins, Virginians will be able to track the spending of recovery funds through a website currently being developed by the Commonwealth, and expected to launch shortly.    » read more »