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GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES ARRA FUNDING TO REPAIR STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT BRIDGES ACROSS VIRGINIA

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

 

~ 119 deficient bridge structures to be repaired or replaced ~

 

RICHMOND—Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that 119 bridges across the Commonwealth will be replaced or repaired using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has awarded seven construction contracts to replace 119 structurally deficient bridges across the state that would otherwise have gone unaddressed. The awarded contracts, totaling $50.7 million, are part of the Commonwealth’s continued efforts to invest $694.5 million in highway funding from the ARRA.

 

“I am very pleased that the President and Congress recognize the value of infrastructure investment and included it in the ARRA. These bridge replacements and repairs will address a significant safety issue in our transportation network and put Virginians back to work,” said Governor Kaine. “While Virginia is consistently named one of the best states for business, we must maintain our infrastructure to stay economically competitive and keep our citizens safe. No state or nation can grow out of a recession with a crumbling infrastructure, and am I very happy that these funds will provide immediate jobs and economic stimulus, as well as long term dividends for the Commonwealth.”

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Governor Kaine Announces $19.5 Million Investment In City Of Danville

Friday, October 9th, 2009

~ Japanese company to open facility and create 39 new full-time positions and 150 seasonal jobs ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Leaf Services (US) plans to invest $19.5 million to establish a tobacco processing facility in the City of Danville, creating 39 full-time jobs and 150 seasonal positions when fully operational. The local company, JTI Leaf Services, will process both flue-cured and burley tobacco in the United States and ship to international markets.

 

 “In these tough economic times, this multimillion dollar investment and the jobs it creates are especially significant in Southside Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “Even as we continue to diversify the region’s economy, we’re pleased by the opportunity to build on traditional industries that have historically been important in the Commonwealth.” (more…)

Virginia receiving more than $14 million in Community Development Block Grant Funding

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Governor Kaine announced in the news today that $14 million will be distributed “with approximately 3,790 Virginians [benefiting] from improved housing, wastewater services, job creation and economic revitalization projects.”  Most of the money goes towards “creating safe and affordable housing and water for Virginians, [but] there is also important funding for broadband, and economic and downtown revitalization efforts that will help our communities grow and improve the quality of life for their citizens.”

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New Goat Market off to a Strong Start

Monday, June 15th, 2009

It seems there is a new smell lingering around local goat farms these days: the sweet smell of success. The newly

established Southern Virginia Meat Goat Association recently held its first goat sale on May 18th and farmers from all

across Halifax County are wildly optimistic about the future of the alliance.

 

The sale began at 8am, and by noon all sales had been completed and the goats were halfway to fulfilling their little goat destinies at a facility in Fredericksburg. Quality kids brought the highest selling prices while mama and papa goats casually sauntered behind, bringing the final sale to a whopping $7653 with the sale of 122 goats. (more…)

Texting while driving, is it even illegal?

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Nowadays, if you see someone with a cell phone, they are pushing away at the button pad at ridiculous speeds not because they are in a hurry to call someone, but instead sending a text message.  Especially young adults and even children are well acquainted with the skill of texting and even consider themselves experts.  So much so that they have conceived the idea they can operate a two ton automobile while still handling the task of texting. 

 

The Virginia legislature has finally passed a law asking drivers to stop, but in a rather passive and polite way.  Texting while driving is illegal starting July 1, 2009.  Violators of this new law can be fined is $20 for a first offense and $50 for a second offense.  Not to mention, “Texting while driving is a secondary offense, meaning a law enforcement officer must have a different reason to stop or arrest the driver.” (more…)

Downtown South Boston Revitalization Recognized

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Destination Downtown South Boston, Inc. (DDSB) and the Town of South Boston were recognized in Richmond last month with a Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Award for their efforts in restoring and revitalizing the Historic Downtown Business District. According to The Gazette-Virginian, the two business associations have helped create a climate for more than $15 million in private investment in downtown South Boston during the past five years. 

 

Now more than ever our communities in Southern Virginia need job opportunities, and the efforts of DDSB, Inc. have resulted in this much needed job creation. Since 2004, volunteers from this organization have dedicated a whopping 100,000 hours of community service, for which they also received an award. When translated from hours to dollars, the volunteer work amounts to over $180,000 towards the vitality of South Boston.

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