The Governor’s Top 5

Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 902 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia worth $15.77 billion in capital investment, which is more than any previous governor in the first 37 months in office. Governor McAuliffe is focused on growing the #NewVAEconomy and continuing our historic economic success.

The Governor’s Top 5

1. Governor McAuliffe Announces Reforms to Toll Violation Collections Process on the Elizabeth River Tunnels

TAKEAWAYS:

• What are the details of this announcement?

• “Since I took office, my transportation team and I have done everything we can to alleviate the harm the last administration’s poorly-negotiated contract for the Midtown and Downtown Tunnels has done to the people of Hampton Roads,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Last week in Portsmouth, I expressed my absolute disgust with the Macquarie-Skanska partnership’s toll violation collections process on the Elizabeth River Tunnels. I made it clear the Commonwealth will not stand for this ill treatment of its citizens. Today, I’m pleased to announce the Macquarie-Skanska partnership has demonstrated good faith and proposed a corrective action plan that will right many of these wrongs and save Virginians money in the process.”

PRESS:

• McAuliffe: Residents to be reimbursed for excessive toll fees – WAVY
• Governor McAuliffe announces plans to reform toll violation collections – WTKR
• Gov. McAuliffe to announce toll violation collection reforms in Norfolk Friday – The Virginian-Pilot
  

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  2. Governor McAuliffe Announces Amazon to Create More Than 1,000 New Jobs in Frederick County

TAKEAWAYS:

• What are the details of this announcement?

• “We are proud that Amazon will grow its presence in Virginia with this major investment and new operation that will bring more than 1,000 job opportunities to Frederick County and the northern Shenandoah Valley,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Virginia was selected for its business climate, infrastructure, strong workforce, and global competitiveness. Amazon’s expansion is a powerful illustration of our ongoing success building a new Virginia economy. We thank the company for its partnership and commitment to the Commonwealth.

PRESS:

• Amazon Brings 1,000 New Jobs to Frederick County, Virginia – NBC Washington
• Amazon to bring 1,000 new jobs to Frederick Co., Va. – WHAG

• Governor announces Amazon’s e-commerce facility and 1,000 new jobs in Frederick – The Winchester Star
• Amazon to build new distribution center in Frederick County – AP
  

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3. Dorothy McAuliffe Joins Secretary Gooden for the 100th Anniversary of VDOF Nurseries

TAKEAWAYS:

• What are the details of this announcement?
  

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  4. Governor McAuliffe Announces 65% Growth in Solar Industry-related Jobs in Virginia in 2016

TAKEAWAYS:

• What are the details of this announcement?

• “Today’s announcement is a testament to the great work we’re doing to build the new Virginia economy, one that is less reliant on federal spending and focuses on growth in innovative sectors like the solar industry,” said Governor McAuliffe. “It is clear that Virginia is moving in the right direction, but there is still work to do. I will continue to work with our public and private sector stakeholders to implement policies that will continue to bolster not only our solar industry, but the entire clean energy sector in the Commonwealth.”

PRESS:

• Solar jobs rise 65 percent in Virginia, report finds – Richmond Times-Dispatch
• Governor McAuliffe Announces 65% Growth in Solar Industry-Related Jobs in Virginia in 2016 – Blue Virginia
• Virginia sees 65 percent increase in solar jobs – WSET

5. Governor McAuliffe Announces Nearly $945,000 in Virginia Telecommunication Grants

TAKEAWAYS:

• What are the details of these announcements?

• “Broadband access has become an essential tool for localities to attract new businesses and thrive, as well as support the diverse needs of their schools and students,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I’m pleased to announce the first round of grants from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative, helping localities provide last-mile services and leverage their telecommunications infrastructure to build a new Virginia economy. I hope these funds will allow the recipients to utilize these resources for the betterment of their citizens, increasing broadband access and spurring job creation opportunities.”

PRESS:

• County residents get good news from governor – Staunton News Leader
• Augusta County gets nearly $300,000 to expand broadband – The News Virginian
• Albemarle County gets $118,000 from state for broadband initiative – Newsplex
• Virginia counties getting grants to expand broadband access – WRIC

In Case You Missed It

• Terry McAuliffe: Republicans are out of excuses on Medicaid expansion – The Washington Post
• “There are no excuses left”: Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe explains his new Medicaid expansion push – Vox
• Editorial: How many guns do you need? – The Daily Press
• Firearms rarely used in self-defense – Richmond Times-Dispatch
• Del. Ken Plum: Governor’s Vetoes Have Saved Virginia Much Embarrassment – Reston Now