Daily Bacon's | November 11, 2009

Today’s Topics

• Energy
• Technology
• Legal
• Budget
• Environment
• Economy
• Development
• Education
• Health
• Veterans
• Local

Energy

Kaine, Md., Del. governors back wind-power accord | The Richmond Times-Dispatch

The governors of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a formal tri-state partnership for the deployment of offshore wind energy in the Middle Atlantic region.

Technology

IT chief reopens talks with Northrop Grumman, draws fire | The Richmond Times-Dispatch

RICHMOND, VA — Despite warnings from lawmakers to back off, the state’s computer chief quietly reopened negotiations with Northrop Grumman over additional services that could add millions to Virginia’s information-technology bill.

Legal

Attorney general to join Hunton and Williams | The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Attorney General Bill Mims, a confidant of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, is joining a Richmond legal powerhouse in January as a lobbyist.

Western District proposes local rules for first time | Virginia Lawyers Weekly Blog

The judges of the Western District of Virginia are inviting comments on the first-ever set of local rules proposed for federal courts in those parts.

Budget

Houck paints dire budget picture to city and Spotsy | The Freelance Star

If you could declare the recession over today, it still wouldn’t mean a return to rosy times for state and local governments.

Environment

Virginia waterways ranks second-dirtiest in country | The Virginia Pilot

Virginia has the second-dirtiest waterways among the 50 states.

Economy

Alpha Natural Resources to build new corporate headquarters in Bristol, Va. | The Bristol Herald Courier

ABINGDON, Va. – Alpha Natural Resources will build its new corporate headquarters in Bristol, the governor’s office announced early Wednesday.

Quicker rebound seen for D.C. area | The Washington Post

An anticipated expansion of the Washington area economy — to be spurred largely by a federal hiring spree and military base realignment — should help local governments restore tax revenue to pre-recession levels quicker than other municipalities across the country, according to a new report Tuesday by the bond rating firm Moody’s Investors Service.

Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce sponsoring business trip to China | The News & Advance

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a business trip to China in October, chamber officials announced this morning.

Development

Timing of Tysons road needs and development outlined

Fairfax County planners are inching closer to making pivotal decisions about the transformation of Tysons Corner: How much development will be allowed, and when.

Education

CNU Board of Visitors meet on school’s budget Thursday | The Daily Press

NEWPORT NEWS – Christopher Newport University’s Board of Visitors will meet at noon on Thursday in the board room of the David Student Union on campus. University officials and the board will discuss CNU’s budget and consider forecasts for the upcoming year. The state decreased financial support for CNU and other state public colleges and universities in September, about forcing the institutions to cut their budgets after the academic year had begun. It was the fourth time in two years that state support for the institutions was decreased. The cuts in March and September totaled $6.4 million for CNU, but were offset by $5 million in federal stimulus funds. Education officials are concerned about how much stimulus money will be available for 2010-11, and much more state support lawmakers may cut state revenues continue their decline.

Officials consider history in UVa design | The Daily Progress

University of Virginia officials say they are trying to follow Thomas Jefferson’s architectural and academic precepts in the design and redevelopment of the university’s Grounds.

Roanoke board fires principal over test scandal | The Star Exponent

ROANOKE — The principal of a Roanoke school is out of a job follow-ing a state investigation that found testing irregularities.

Health

Health care protest spurs counter-demonstration | The Daily Progress

On one side, speakers, placards and a bus that played country music. On the other, a band, chanting and banners.

Veterans

Veterans asking Wittman for help | The Freelance Star

Chuck Vroman of King George County, a retired Navy veteran who is disabled, wanted to know why the Veterans Administration office in Roanoke was taking so long to process a request.

Local

Manassas council agrees to spend $100K on civil war anniversary | Inside Nova

Members of the Manassas City Council like the idea of commemorating the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas so much that they’re ready to give up $100,000 to make it happen in 2011.

Dulles area golf course lien holders still left in the lurch | The Fairfax Times

Six miles of poplar hardwood form the moldings and trims at 1757 Golf Club’s clubhouse.

Cantor plans Culpeper job fair | The Star Exponent

More than two dozen local businesses will participate in a job fair the week of Thanksgiving at the Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper.

Suffolk will stop charging residents for bulk waste pickups | The Daily Press

SUFFOLK – The city of Suffolk will stop charging residents for bulk trash pickup next month after the city council voted to apply $550,000 of budget surplus to that utility.

Monacans await Senate vote on tribe’s federal recognition | The News & Advance

Victoria Hamilton, a fifth-generation Monacan Indian Nation member, has lived on the same site beside High Peak Road near Monroe for her entire life, even after the structure was rebuilt after a 2004 lightning-strike fire.