A recent study of Virginia’s economic development program elicited some positive reviews but also found that it lacks the data to measure its success truly.
Virginia
VDOT: “To help make end-of-year holiday travel more enjoyable, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, Dec. 22 until noon on Tuesday, Dec. 26 and from noon on Friday, Dec. 29 until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 2.”
“While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.”
The Center Square: “Washington’s NBA and NHL franchises have announced intention of a move to northern Virginia, part of a $2 billion public-private partnership to create a “world-class” entertainment district in the Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.”
“News of the move began to break Monday and Tuesday, with Wednesday’s news conference by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin confirming. A vote Monday by state lawmakers was affirmative, and another of the full General Assembly is needed. The NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals are owned by Ted Leonsis, the CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.”
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: “Each year, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) awards up to 15 $1,500 college scholarships to area high school students.”
The Center Square: “Federal funding for a critical rail project supporting a new bridge crossing the Potomac River connecting the District of Columbia and Virginia has been secured.”
“The announcement was made Thursday in Arlington. A group of bipartisan lawmakers from Virginia celebrated the $729 million funding to support the completion of the new Long Bridge, which is anticipated to ease rail traffic bottlenecks, expand freight capacity and improve commuter rail capability.”
Press release: “Virginia is among the best states to play pickleball, new study reveals. Virginia is the tenth-best state to play pickleball, with a final score of 55.0 out of 100.”
“Arizona was named the best and Louisiana the worst state for pickleball, due to the state’s rainy weather conditions and lack of indoor facilities.”
“At the beginning of this year, she started hearing an eerie hum that got louder at night. Brookes thought it sounded like someone doing lawn work constantly, but she had no idea what it was — until neighbors told her the noise came from the data centers that have earned the county the nickname Data Center Alley.”
WAVY-TV: “The College of William & Mary announced it’s expanding enrollment to support first-generation and limited-income college students.School administrators said a new initiative called the Commonwealth Impact Partnership Program, launched this semester.”
“According to a press release, the program is aimed at high schools identified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to participate in the Virginia College Application Week initiative each fall.’
Virginia Mercury: “Virginia’s State Water Control Board amended regulations last week that will require local governments in the same river basin to work together in crafting plans for water supply and use.”
“Previously, the state allowed local governments to choose whether they wanted to submit such plans independently or work with other localities in a regional approach. Plans must include existing water sources, water use and environmental conditions, any actions being taken to manage water supply and drought response plans, among other information.”
“BEVs [battery electric vehicles] are stacking up on our lots,” the auto dealers stated in the letter. “Last year, there was a lot of hope and hype about EVs. Early adopters formed an initial line and were ready to buy these vehicles as soon as we had them to sell. But that enthusiasm has stalled. Today, the supply of unsold BEVs is surging, as they are not selling nearly as fast as they are arriving at our dealerships – even with deep price cuts, manufacturer incentives, and generous government incentives.”