Transportation infrastructure remains a critical regional issue, both from a global competitiveness and quality of life perspective. Infrastructure improvements, such as the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes, are critical to stimulating our local economy as we look to pull out of the current economic slump. Today, Dr. Stephen S. Fuller from the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis briefed the policy committee on the results of a Capital Beltway HOT Lanes economic impact study. Key findings of the morning presentation included:
· HOT Lanes construction already is providing local jobs and economic stimulus – pumping 11,800 jobs and $2.7 billion into the Metropolitan Washington economy between 2008 and 2013
· For Fairfax County, where most of the HOT Lanes construction will occur, construction will generate personal earnings of $450 million. At average wages in the county, this would support approximately 5,650 new jobs
· Because construction funding is front-loaded (estimated 56% by 2010), HOT Lanes construction may account for ten percent of job growth and 20 percent of Fairfax County economic growth in 2009 – right now it is accounting for nearly all of the county’s job growth
· The Capital Beltway HOT Lanes project is made possible through an innovative public-private partnership
The release of the report already has been covered on both WTOP and in the Washington Business Journal.
Click HERE for the HOT Lanes Economic Impact Study
Click HERE for Dr. Stephen Fuller’s Presentation
Click HERE for Virginia Megaprojects Presentation by Steve Titunik
Click HERE for the HOT Lanes FACT Sheet
Click HERE for the Chamber’s Press Release
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
$900 MILLION FEDERAL FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR DULLES METRORAIL FINALIZED
Yesterday, the Dulles Metrorail Project reached an important milestone when Chairman Crawford of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement – $900 million – to begin the long-awaited construction of the Dulles Metrorail Extension.
The Full Funding Agreement demonstrates that the Fairfax Chamber and its members – as one of the first and most vocal supporters – played a pivotal role in reaching this landmark decision. In early 2008 when the FTA expressed deep concerns regarding the project, the Northern Virginia business community, including Chamber members contacted the White House, then-Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, Governor Kaine, our Congressional delegation and area local officials to keep the project moving forward.
The Fairfax Chamber would like to thank all members who, for the past several years, have worked diligently to see this project move from concept to reality. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. A special thanks most also be expressed to our Congressional Delegation and local Elected Officials who have advocated relentlessly on the positive benefits and economic prosperity this project will bring to the community.
The Fairfax Chamber looks forward to continuing our partnership and excellent working relationship with the Airports Authority and other stakeholders as the project progresses. The redevelopment of Tysons Corner must be a priority if we are to call the entire project a success. Again, thank you to all those involved and to your continued involvement.
Click HERE to read the Washington Times article regarding the Full Funding Agreement. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding the Chamber’s involvement in the Dulles Metrorail Project, please contact Robby Demeria at rdemeria@fairfaxchamber.org
The Full Funding Agreement demonstrates that the Fairfax Chamber and its members – as one of the first and most vocal supporters – played a pivotal role in reaching this landmark decision. In early 2008 when the FTA expressed deep concerns regarding the project, the Northern Virginia business community, including Chamber members contacted the White House, then-Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, Governor Kaine, our Congressional delegation and area local officials to keep the project moving forward.
The Fairfax Chamber would like to thank all members who, for the past several years, have worked diligently to see this project move from concept to reality. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. A special thanks most also be expressed to our Congressional Delegation and local Elected Officials who have advocated relentlessly on the positive benefits and economic prosperity this project will bring to the community.
The Fairfax Chamber looks forward to continuing our partnership and excellent working relationship with the Airports Authority and other stakeholders as the project progresses. The redevelopment of Tysons Corner must be a priority if we are to call the entire project a success. Again, thank you to all those involved and to your continued involvement.
Click HERE to read the Washington Times article regarding the Full Funding Agreement. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding the Chamber’s involvement in the Dulles Metrorail Project, please contact Robby Demeria at rdemeria@fairfaxchamber.org
Thursday, February 05, 2009
VDOT I-95/395 HOV/HOT/BUS LANES PUBLIC HEARINGS
Support the Business Community by Testifying
Work has begun on the Beltway HOT lanes and Dulles Metrorail extension. These regional transit projects will deliver significant improvements to Northern Virginia; however the full potential benefits will not be reached unless the I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT project is built. Last month the Federal Highway Administration granted environmental approval for the northern section – Eads Street/Pentagon to Route 610/Garrisonville Road – of the proposed I-95/395 HOT Lanes project.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will host three opportunities for Northern Virginians to receive project updates and offer comments. The Chamber is asking that members testify at one of the three public hearings or submit comments by mail if unable to attend. Talking points are below.
Public Hearings begin around 7:00 p.m. each night.
Monday, February 9 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 105:00-9:00 p.m.
If you are unable to attend, comments may be submitted via mail or email until February 21, 2009. Written comments may be submitted to:
Ronaldo T. Nicolson,
-The I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes Project is a critical component to reaching full benefit and success of all regional transit projects, especially the Beltway HOT Lanes and the Dulles Metrorail extension.
-All of the regional transit projects are connected and necessary for transit-oriented development to be implemented along the I-95 corridor.
-The I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes Project benefit our business community by expanding transit and carpooling opportunities, providing more choices for reliable travel in our region.
-The I-95/I-395 corridor is vitally important to the region. With Base Realignment affecting the southern portion of Fairfax County, these improvements to the corridor are both necessary and timely.
Click HERE to view map of the proposed I-95/I-395 HOT Lanes Project.
Work has begun on the Beltway HOT lanes and Dulles Metrorail extension. These regional transit projects will deliver significant improvements to Northern Virginia; however the full potential benefits will not be reached unless the I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT project is built. Last month the Federal Highway Administration granted environmental approval for the northern section – Eads Street/Pentagon to Route 610/Garrisonville Road – of the proposed I-95/395 HOT Lanes project.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will host three opportunities for Northern Virginians to receive project updates and offer comments. The Chamber is asking that members testify at one of the three public hearings or submit comments by mail if unable to attend. Talking points are below.
Public Hearings begin around 7:00 p.m. each night.
Monday, February 9 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Potomac High School
3401 Panther Pride Dr .
Dumfries , VA 22026
Snow date: Feb 12
Tuesday, February 105:00-9:00 p.m.
Robert E. Lee High School
6540 Franconia Road
Springfield , VA 22150
Snow date: Feb 19
Wednesday, February 11 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Minnie Howard School
3801 West Braddock Road
Alexandria , VA 22302
Snow date: Feb 18
If you are unable to attend, comments may be submitted via mail or email until February 21, 2009. Written comments may be submitted to:
Ronaldo T. Nicolson,
P.E.Regional Transportation Program Director
6363 Walker Lane, Suite 500
Alexandria , VA 22310
Email your comments to:
Please reference "I-95/395 HOV/HOT/Bus Lanes" in the subject heading.
Talking Points:
-The I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes Project is a critical component to reaching full benefit and success of all regional transit projects, especially the Beltway HOT Lanes and the Dulles Metrorail extension.
-All of the regional transit projects are connected and necessary for transit-oriented development to be implemented along the I-95 corridor.
-The I-395/I-95 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes Project benefit our business community by expanding transit and carpooling opportunities, providing more choices for reliable travel in our region.
-The I-95/I-395 corridor is vitally important to the region. With Base Realignment affecting the southern portion of Fairfax County, these improvements to the corridor are both necessary and timely.
Click HERE to view map of the proposed I-95/I-395 HOT Lanes Project.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Speaker Howell Announces Streaming Live Video of House of Delegates Floor Proceedings
RICHMOND, VA – In the latest of a series of initiatives announced by the House Majority Caucus providing practical solutions to improve government operations, effectiveness and transparency, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced his decision to implement streaming live video of daily floor proceedings of the House of Delegates. Beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2009, all daily House sessions will be available for viewing by the public on the General Assembly’s website.
“The House of Delegates is an essential institution in our representative democracy,” said Speaker Howell. “Online video broadcasts provide not only a window into the seriousness and solution-oriented nature of the legislative process, but also a responsible and unfiltered method of allowing more Virginians to see the House at work doing the people’s business. When I became Speaker in 2003, I pledged to work to protect the institutional integrity of the House as Delegates exercise their constitutional duties. Online video broadcasts are the latest step toward meeting that goal.”
“Since being given the responsibility in 2000 to lead this historic chamber as the Majority, House Republicans repeatedly have demonstrated our strong commitment to making the House of Delegates a better working institution, one that is continuously being reformed and improved to make it more accountable, accessible, and open to the public.
“Long before Republicans were in the House Majority, we proposed major ethics reforms – like barring Virginia elected officials from fundraising while lawmakers are in Session in Richmond to keep a clear buffer between legislative votes and campaign contributions – and for the first time instituting proportional seating on committees. These and many other positive reforms are now in effect because the people of Virginia entrusted us with the majority. We have built successfully on our promises, making the legislative process more efficient and cost-conscious. Just last month, we instituted changes that will save Virginia taxpayers over $1.1 million this year alone. In the 2009 Session, we also will begin recording subcommittee votes (another first) and posting them online for the first time ever, a reform made possible by the sensible bill limitations we proposed last year and the cost savings we are enacting this year. As we have always done since being given the leadership responsibility of the Majority by Virginia voters, House Republicans will keep working to identify and institute common sense improvements for those we are honored and privileged to represent.”
Speaker Howell instructed the House Clerk’s Office to make House floor proceedings accessible on the Internet with the commencement of the 2009 General Assembly session. The video will be broadcast using cameras currently installed and operated in the House chamber. The live video stream will be accessible through the General Assembly’s homepage – http://legis.virginia.gov/.
“The House of Delegates is an essential institution in our representative democracy,” said Speaker Howell. “Online video broadcasts provide not only a window into the seriousness and solution-oriented nature of the legislative process, but also a responsible and unfiltered method of allowing more Virginians to see the House at work doing the people’s business. When I became Speaker in 2003, I pledged to work to protect the institutional integrity of the House as Delegates exercise their constitutional duties. Online video broadcasts are the latest step toward meeting that goal.”
“Since being given the responsibility in 2000 to lead this historic chamber as the Majority, House Republicans repeatedly have demonstrated our strong commitment to making the House of Delegates a better working institution, one that is continuously being reformed and improved to make it more accountable, accessible, and open to the public.
“Long before Republicans were in the House Majority, we proposed major ethics reforms – like barring Virginia elected officials from fundraising while lawmakers are in Session in Richmond to keep a clear buffer between legislative votes and campaign contributions – and for the first time instituting proportional seating on committees. These and many other positive reforms are now in effect because the people of Virginia entrusted us with the majority. We have built successfully on our promises, making the legislative process more efficient and cost-conscious. Just last month, we instituted changes that will save Virginia taxpayers over $1.1 million this year alone. In the 2009 Session, we also will begin recording subcommittee votes (another first) and posting them online for the first time ever, a reform made possible by the sensible bill limitations we proposed last year and the cost savings we are enacting this year. As we have always done since being given the leadership responsibility of the Majority by Virginia voters, House Republicans will keep working to identify and institute common sense improvements for those we are honored and privileged to represent.”
Speaker Howell instructed the House Clerk’s Office to make House floor proceedings accessible on the Internet with the commencement of the 2009 General Assembly session. The video will be broadcast using cameras currently installed and operated in the House chamber. The live video stream will be accessible through the General Assembly’s homepage – http://legis.virginia.gov/.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Business Community is United Against "Card Check Bill."
The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber and Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is in strong opposition to the passage of the "Employer Free Choice Act” (Card Check Bill). This legislation seeks to jeopardize Virginia's "Right-to-work" status by giving organized labor an unfair advantage in union organizing, at the expense of both employees and employers.
Following the January Inauguration, several political insiders agree that the "Card Check" Bill will easily pass the House and if passed in the Senate, will be signed by the President into law. This bill will eliminate the right to a secret ballot election when deciding whether employees should be represented by a union. Once a majority of employees sign authorization cards – openly and exposed to coercion and intimidation – the unions automatically would be certified as bargaining agents for workers.
During the last effort, the “Card Check” Bill was unable to garner the 60 votes needed in the Senate to move the measure to final vote. The Chamber expects this bill to be one of the early pieces of legislation considered by the 111 th Congress in January.
The Fairfax Chamber URGES all members to contact Senator-elect Warner and ask him to vote NO on “Card Check” (H.R. 800, S. 1041). Likewise, contact Senator Webb – who was a bill sponsor last year – and ask him to reconsider his position.
Fairfax Chamber Hosts Informative Labor and Card Check Discussion with U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Yesterday morning, the Chamber co-hosted a very informative meeting regarding the Card Check bill with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Marc Freedman, U.S. Chamber Director of Labor Law Policy, broke down the election results and discussed at the length what the Card Check bill intends and its affects on “Right-to-Work” states like Virginia.
Attended by over forty Fairfax Chamber members and business leaders, we learned that the “Employer Free Choice Act” is more then just Card Check and labor organizing. The Bill includes other measures that will be harmful to businesses such as eliminating the statutes of limitation for discrimination suits, mandating paid sick leave, expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover smaller businesses and converting the unpaid leave to paid leave. Freedman noted in his presentation that polling shows “86% of people surveyed believe every worker should have the right to a federally supervised secret ballot election when deciding whether or not to organize a union.” And emphasized the magnitude of those poll results with, “you can’t get that many people to agree the sky is blue.”
Labor Organizers have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to see that this bill is passed into law. Now is the time for the business community to unite and work to see that Virginia’s “Right-to-Work” laws are protected. For more information on this issue, please visit the U.S. Chamber’s website dedicated to the “Employer Free Choice Act.”
Following the January Inauguration, several political insiders agree that the "Card Check" Bill will easily pass the House and if passed in the Senate, will be signed by the President into law. This bill will eliminate the right to a secret ballot election when deciding whether employees should be represented by a union. Once a majority of employees sign authorization cards – openly and exposed to coercion and intimidation – the unions automatically would be certified as bargaining agents for workers.
During the last effort, the “Card Check” Bill was unable to garner the 60 votes needed in the Senate to move the measure to final vote. The Chamber expects this bill to be one of the early pieces of legislation considered by the 111 th Congress in January.
The Fairfax Chamber URGES all members to contact Senator-elect Warner and ask him to vote NO on “Card Check” (H.R. 800, S. 1041). Likewise, contact Senator Webb – who was a bill sponsor last year – and ask him to reconsider his position.
Fairfax Chamber Hosts Informative Labor and Card Check Discussion with U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Yesterday morning, the Chamber co-hosted a very informative meeting regarding the Card Check bill with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Marc Freedman, U.S. Chamber Director of Labor Law Policy, broke down the election results and discussed at the length what the Card Check bill intends and its affects on “Right-to-Work” states like Virginia.
Attended by over forty Fairfax Chamber members and business leaders, we learned that the “Employer Free Choice Act” is more then just Card Check and labor organizing. The Bill includes other measures that will be harmful to businesses such as eliminating the statutes of limitation for discrimination suits, mandating paid sick leave, expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover smaller businesses and converting the unpaid leave to paid leave. Freedman noted in his presentation that polling shows “86% of people surveyed believe every worker should have the right to a federally supervised secret ballot election when deciding whether or not to organize a union.” And emphasized the magnitude of those poll results with, “you can’t get that many people to agree the sky is blue.”
Labor Organizers have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to see that this bill is passed into law. Now is the time for the business community to unite and work to see that Virginia’s “Right-to-Work” laws are protected. For more information on this issue, please visit the U.S. Chamber’s website dedicated to the “Employer Free Choice Act.”
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fairfax Chamber Opposes the Anti Worker Employer Free Choice Act
Contact your Represenative or Senator to Voice Opposition
The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, is in strong opposition to the passage of any provision of the Employer Free Choice Act.
Virginia is a "right to work" state meaning you do not have to become a member of a Union to be afforded proper worker protections. This piece of legislation would undercut, at the Federal level, Virginia’s ability to determine the methods of worker protection used in the Commonwealth. The Chamber is a staunch advocate of the "right to work" state and advocates for its continued presence in Virginia.
This piece of legislation, if passed, could signal the end of the "right to work" status in Virginia by removing the secret ballot provision that Unions must abide by in deciding whether to unionize. In its place it will institute a "card check recognition" system in which workers would be forced to declare, in front of their coworkers and union leaders their desire to unionize or not. You can imagine the intimidation and coercion that would take place if union leaders were present when prospective members were voting whether to join. It is absurd that this pivotal decision would be made without the protections of a private balloting process.
The Chamber urges all citizens to contact their Congressional representatives and express to them their sincere opposition to this matter.
You can find out more information about the Employer Free Choice Act at www.myprivateballot.com.
The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, is in strong opposition to the passage of any provision of the Employer Free Choice Act.
Virginia is a "right to work" state meaning you do not have to become a member of a Union to be afforded proper worker protections. This piece of legislation would undercut, at the Federal level, Virginia’s ability to determine the methods of worker protection used in the Commonwealth. The Chamber is a staunch advocate of the "right to work" state and advocates for its continued presence in Virginia.
This piece of legislation, if passed, could signal the end of the "right to work" status in Virginia by removing the secret ballot provision that Unions must abide by in deciding whether to unionize. In its place it will institute a "card check recognition" system in which workers would be forced to declare, in front of their coworkers and union leaders their desire to unionize or not. You can imagine the intimidation and coercion that would take place if union leaders were present when prospective members were voting whether to join. It is absurd that this pivotal decision would be made without the protections of a private balloting process.
The Chamber urges all citizens to contact their Congressional representatives and express to them their sincere opposition to this matter.
You can find out more information about the Employer Free Choice Act at www.myprivateballot.com.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New challengers for Governor and Lt. Governor
The race for Governor and Lieutenant Governor is getting interesting as a new Democratic challenger, Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman and successful businessman has filed paperwork to launch a potential candidacy for Governor.
Additionally, the Richmond Times Dispatch is reporting Republican Patrick Muldoon of Pearisburg has paid the filing fee to be a candidate for his parties nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
The entrance of these two players has changed the landscape of these races considerably. Terry McAuliffe has deep pockets and a wide range of connections both in the business community and across the Potomac in Washington – a connection that plays well with many Northern Virginia voters. He is personal friends with Bill and Hillary Clinton. Many political insiders claim McAuliffe is serious about his bid for Governor and if he does end up officially announcing his candidacy, the Democratic primary will be very competative.
Current Lt. Governor Bill Bolling’s unexpected challenger Patrick Muldoon is a relative new comer to statewide politics. He has however unsuccessfully run in 1996 for Congress. The Republican party’s decision on which candidate to support will be decided by a party convention in May
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