Friday, March 18, 2016
Broadband authority OK's rates, to sign up first customers soon
Broadband authority OK's rates, to sign up first customers soon
The Roanoke area's public broadband utility expects to sign up its first customers in April now that it has set the rates for a 47-mile fiber network.
The Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority's board unanimously approved several sets of rates Friday for an anticipated fiber network that will mostly run through Roanoke and Salem.
Several entities operating in business, education and government have agreed to become users of the network, but contract negotiations couldn't begin until the rates got approved, said authority Executive Director Frank Smith, who declined to disclose the tentative customers.
Among the packages are a "transport" and Internet service plan with monthly rates ranging from $550 for 10 megabits per second to $5,687 for 1 gigabit per second.
The utility's pricing differs considerably from the more familiar Internet plans to the home because the broadband authority's customers are buying bandwidth they won't have to share with other paying parties. This exclusive access to bandwidth - ideal for institutions moving large loads of data - allows for much faster transfer of data.
Another package will allow customers to lease what is called dark fiber for rates ranging from $21 to $100 a month. Under this plan, customers would be responsible for installing the electronics needed to turn on and make their piece of the fiber usable. The exact dark fiber rates depend on whether the customer is a commercial carrier or nonprofit, how long they plan to lease the fiber and how much of the nearly 50-mile network they want access to.
Smith said 25 percent of the network is dark fiber to be leased.
While the broadband authority has maintained that it's not directly selling service to the home, Smith said the utility's tentative customers do include telecom companies that could turn around and provide Internet to the end user.
A non-Internet package that offers bandwidth just for transporting data also exists, with monthly rates ranging from $350 for 10 megabits per second to $4,510 for 1 gigabit per second. This transport service is similar to the dark fiber plan, but tasks the broadband authority to handle the electronics.
Salem City Manager Kevin Boggess, the broadband authority's board chairman, said he's pleased with the pricing.
"It's another step forward," he said.
With construction starting last summer, the broadband authority plans to turn the network on before May, Smith said.
The entire 47-mile network is being financed with a $6.2 million bond that the cities of Roanoke and Salem have each agreed to start repaying until the project starts generating enough business.
Proponents of the project expect the network to help improve economic activities in the Roanoke area and allow the valley to better compete with other metro areas in the Southeast when trying to attract employers. The project is also among the efforts to improve connectivity in the Roanoke area, which has a poor state and national standing based on several industry studies.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Botetourt County's 350 industrial jobs deal largest for Roanoke Valley since before recession
Botetourt County's 350 industrial jobs deal largest for Roanoke Valley since before recession
Gov. Terry McAuliffe (left) welcomes Pasquale Forte, president & CEO of Eldor Corp., and Luca Forte, a board member at Eldor, on Tuesday.
DALEVILLE — An Italian-based global auto parts manufacturer will build its first North American production plant in Botetourt County, investing $75 million and creating up to 350 new jobs over the next five years, officials announced Tuesday.
Plans by Eldor Corp. to locate in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield industrial park marked the biggest economic news in the county’s history, and the largest expansion of new manufacturing jobs in the Roanoke Valley since before the Great Recession.
“This is a huge announcement for us,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe told a crowd of state and local officials gathered Tuesday afternoon at Greenfield.
The Roanoke Regional Partnership estimates Eldor will have an annual economic impact of $246.5 million and help create more than 500 secondary jobs across Botetourt and the entire Roanoke region by 2021.
And if long-term projections hold true, another 300 people will find work at Eldor by 2024, adding significant horsepower to what is already an established automotive parts manufacturing cluster in Botetourt County.
“The fact that another global leader in the transportation industry has selected Botetourt County sends a positive message about the future of this county and jobs that will help us attract and retain young people,” County Administrator Gary Larrowe said.
Eldor is expected to begin construction shortly on a 250,000-square-foot facility that will sit on 53 acres in the sprawling Greenfield industrial park located off U.S. 220 in Daleville. The project should be completed by August 2017.
Workers will earn an average annual wage of at least $37,950, which Eldor has promised as part of a performance agreement under which it will receive about $15 million in state and local incentives if it fulfills its obligations.
A privately held company founded in 1972, Eldor has existing plants in Italy, Turkey, China and Brazil. It makes ignition systems, engine control units and electronic systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. The company, which cites $300 million in annual revenues, has three research and development centers in Italy and is based in Orsenigo, located north of Milan in northern Italy near the Swiss border.
The company considered about 200 sites in 20 states before settling on Botetourt, McAuliffe said.
Eldor President and CEO Pasquale Forte said he found Virginia attractive for its pro-business polices and port access, and the Roanoke Valley equally appealing for its quality of life and natural beauty.
“I am confident that people who come to our plant from around the world will be amazed by this beauty,” said Forte, who also cited the region’s universities and a community college system with a mechatronics program that is well suited to train the workers who will run the company’s advanced production lines.
The long-term impact of the project at build-out is estimated at $457 million with 1,600 direct, indirect and induced jobs, according to economic impact modeling by the Roanoke Regional Partnership.
The governor has approved a $3.2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to Botetourt County to assist with the project.
In addition, the company will receive state benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program and money and assistance for employee training.
The county’s incentive package with the company — valued at about $12 million — is based on the plant growing to 650 jobs and an investment of $106 million by 2024. The county is offering the 53-acre site, fee waivers and utility extensions, tax incentives and a performance-based grant of $1.3 million.
Shortly after the project was announced at a 3 p.m. news conference, the county’s board of supervisors and economic development authority approved the performance agreement. The arrangement offers protection to the county should the deal not go through, doling out payments of grant money only after certain milestones are met by Eldor, such as the beginning of grading, the granting of a certificate of occupancy for the building and the hiring of its first employees.
In addition, Eldor has agreed to provide a $1.5 million letter of credit to the county.
Eldor is a “strong company,” Larrowe said, and Botetourt officials have no reason to believe it will not live up to expectations. “This is just doing business, that’s the only thing it is,” Larrowe said.
At the state level, officials with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership also took extra pains to review the company’s background, partly because of a failed economic development deal in Appomattox in which they acknowledge a Chinese company was not adequately vetted.
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said officials examined audited financial statements and relied on information from independent parties, in addition to what was provided by the company.
The Greenfield complex is largely vacant, and Tuesday’s announcement was clearly a relief to county officials who have been courting possible tenants for years.
The site of the future Eldor plant is adjacent to a Greenfield parcel slated for the construction of a 100,000-square foot industrial shell building, to be financed by the nonprofit Greater Roanoke Valley Development Foundation. Construction of the building, which county officials hope will lure a new industry to the park sometime in the future, is expected to take about 18 months.
Two historic slave buildings that were once part of the Greenfield Plantation were recently relocated to make way for the shell building, much to the dismay of preservationists and others in the county. County officials said their courting of Eldor, which first looked at the adjacent site last summer, was not a factor in the buildings’ relocation.
When it began considering Greenfield as a possible location, Eldor was interested in moving at a faster pace than what the shell building site offered. County officials say a certified, pad-ready site nearby was crucial to landing the company.
“The fact that Botetourt County had a pre-graded site appealed to Eldor because it will reduce construction costs and increase the speed to market,” supervisors Chairman Jack Leffel said.
To seal the deal, the General Assembly recently added another $1 million to the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and authorized the governor to give up to $1.5 million for additional grading of the site.
In his remarks Tuesday, McAuliffe praised Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt County, for his work in securing the budget amendment “to get this deal over the goal line.”
Friday, March 9, 2012
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Candidates' Forum
Last night was the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Candidates' Forum, which is the unofficial beginning of the municipal elections held on May 1st. I had a great time discussing council accomplishments, my vision going forward and policies affecting taxpayers in Roanoke.
To view the Roanoke Times article on the forum, please visit http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/305994.
To view the Roanoke Times article on the forum, please visit http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/305994.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Vote Tomorrow
Please vote tomorrow at William Fleming High School anytime between the hours of 9am and 3pm. Support stability and continuity in Roanoke government.
Also, please encourage others to join you.
Also, please encourage others to join you.
Monday, January 23, 2012
*** Please give 1 hour of your time Saturday, February 4th ***
On Saturday, February 4th from 9AM until 3PM, the primary election for Roanoke City Council will be held at the new William Fleming High School. Any registered voter in the city is able to participate. All you have to do is come vote, then leave.
We have been getting a lot of good things done in the city and with our regional partne...rs over the past several years. With gridlock at higher levels of government, stability and continuity is critical at the local level. We have a formula that is working and we should continue the momentum. Vote for me, Sherman Lea and Anita Price for Council and David Bowers for Mayor.
Please come vote Saturday, February 4th between 9AM and 3PM at William Fleming High School. It will take no more than an hour of your day.
Thank you.
We have been getting a lot of good things done in the city and with our regional partne...rs over the past several years. With gridlock at higher levels of government, stability and continuity is critical at the local level. We have a formula that is working and we should continue the momentum. Vote for me, Sherman Lea and Anita Price for Council and David Bowers for Mayor.
Please come vote Saturday, February 4th between 9AM and 3PM at William Fleming High School. It will take no more than an hour of your day.
Thank you.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Lost Art of Congressional Compromise
From today's Roanoke Times commentary section
The Lost Art of Congressional Compromise
"In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence."
- President George Washington in a Message to Congress, July 9, 1789
Recently, as Congress fanned out across America to their districts, I observed with amusement the desperation to vacate Washington to begin campaigning for the November 2012 elections with backslaps for a job well done regarding the debt ceiling standoff. I am certain that a significant amount of this month-plus off will be spent collecting campaign cash for re-elections nearly fifteen months away. This
last month observing Congressional gridlock has caused me to reflect on the origin of Congress during the founding of our country.
The structure of the U.S. Congress was determined through The Great Compromise in July of 1787 following months of negotiations between representatives from the largest states and representatives from less populous states. After eleven days of formal debate prior to the vote, in the sweltering Philadelphia heat, the Second Continental Congress voted on and adopted a compromise that provided proportional
representation in the House of Representatives and more equal representation in the Senate. It was a divided vote, but the compromise that passed became the foundation of our legislative branch. Our Founding Fathers, with differing interests, opinions and goals, worked towards and accepted this compromise as being in the best interests of the new nation.
Our country now faces some of the greatest challenges imaginable – two wars costing thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars, an economy on the brink of another recession, a coming societal restructuring caused by an aging population, a tax code with more holes in it than Swiss cheese, and a Congress that fails to meet even the basic expectations of our Founding Fathers. Compromise has become a dirty word in Washington, and political self-interest and an unwillingness to work in the best interests of the country threaten to cause severe, long-term and irreversible damage to our nation.
As governments have struggled for the last several years, localities have been forced to absorb significant cuts in funding. The City of Roanoke, for example, has cut more than $25 million - 10% of our budget since 2007, all while fulfilling our obligations for outstanding debt. Councilmembers, with the aid of a skilled professional City staff, compromised with one another and reduced spending to match revenue through spirited debate, disagreements, and ultimately, compromise. Congress, on the other hand, adhering to rigid political ideologies and with no electoral incentive to compromise, is likely to make our economic situation worse.
As Americans worry about keeping or finding jobs and businesses worry about making payroll, I question whether members of Congress have the ability to pass meaningful laws that provide stability to our economy. It appears that after a month-long debate about our debt ceiling and a capitulation of responsibility, they do not – and now they are on vacation until after Labor Day.
Political gridlock has already caused one rating agency to downgrade the U.S. credit rating and markets across the globe have tanked. This will result in higher interest rates for homeowners, small businesses, local governments and others, all because of Washington’s inability to work together to pass compromise policies that satisfy the vast majority of Americans in the political center. In fact, a recent CNN/ORC poll
shows that 86% of Americans disapprove of Congress – 86%.
All Americans must hold our “representatives” in Congress to the same standards our Founding Fathers expected of themselves. We must expect that members of Congress cease playing political games with our future and place the interests of their country ahead of their own interests. We must expect that, while our country is facing economic disaster, Congress not take the entire month of August off while the rest of us contend with uncertainty, fear of lost jobs or worry about meeting payrolls and interest payments.
Washington is broken. We must not fool ourselves into thinking it is one party or the other – the only party that is winning is self-interest. Glad-handing, fundraising and photo ops do not make for a good Congress. Hard work, commitment to advancing the interests of our country and basic levels of respect for one another, even those on the other side, should be the standard.
Americans should expect members of Congress, in President George Washington’s words, to “promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.”
In fact, our future demands it.
The Lost Art of Congressional Compromise
"In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence."
- President George Washington in a Message to Congress, July 9, 1789
Recently, as Congress fanned out across America to their districts, I observed with amusement the desperation to vacate Washington to begin campaigning for the November 2012 elections with backslaps for a job well done regarding the debt ceiling standoff. I am certain that a significant amount of this month-plus off will be spent collecting campaign cash for re-elections nearly fifteen months away. This
last month observing Congressional gridlock has caused me to reflect on the origin of Congress during the founding of our country.
The structure of the U.S. Congress was determined through The Great Compromise in July of 1787 following months of negotiations between representatives from the largest states and representatives from less populous states. After eleven days of formal debate prior to the vote, in the sweltering Philadelphia heat, the Second Continental Congress voted on and adopted a compromise that provided proportional
representation in the House of Representatives and more equal representation in the Senate. It was a divided vote, but the compromise that passed became the foundation of our legislative branch. Our Founding Fathers, with differing interests, opinions and goals, worked towards and accepted this compromise as being in the best interests of the new nation.
Our country now faces some of the greatest challenges imaginable – two wars costing thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars, an economy on the brink of another recession, a coming societal restructuring caused by an aging population, a tax code with more holes in it than Swiss cheese, and a Congress that fails to meet even the basic expectations of our Founding Fathers. Compromise has become a dirty word in Washington, and political self-interest and an unwillingness to work in the best interests of the country threaten to cause severe, long-term and irreversible damage to our nation.
As governments have struggled for the last several years, localities have been forced to absorb significant cuts in funding. The City of Roanoke, for example, has cut more than $25 million - 10% of our budget since 2007, all while fulfilling our obligations for outstanding debt. Councilmembers, with the aid of a skilled professional City staff, compromised with one another and reduced spending to match revenue through spirited debate, disagreements, and ultimately, compromise. Congress, on the other hand, adhering to rigid political ideologies and with no electoral incentive to compromise, is likely to make our economic situation worse.
As Americans worry about keeping or finding jobs and businesses worry about making payroll, I question whether members of Congress have the ability to pass meaningful laws that provide stability to our economy. It appears that after a month-long debate about our debt ceiling and a capitulation of responsibility, they do not – and now they are on vacation until after Labor Day.
Political gridlock has already caused one rating agency to downgrade the U.S. credit rating and markets across the globe have tanked. This will result in higher interest rates for homeowners, small businesses, local governments and others, all because of Washington’s inability to work together to pass compromise policies that satisfy the vast majority of Americans in the political center. In fact, a recent CNN/ORC poll
shows that 86% of Americans disapprove of Congress – 86%.
All Americans must hold our “representatives” in Congress to the same standards our Founding Fathers expected of themselves. We must expect that members of Congress cease playing political games with our future and place the interests of their country ahead of their own interests. We must expect that, while our country is facing economic disaster, Congress not take the entire month of August off while the rest of us contend with uncertainty, fear of lost jobs or worry about meeting payrolls and interest payments.
Washington is broken. We must not fool ourselves into thinking it is one party or the other – the only party that is winning is self-interest. Glad-handing, fundraising and photo ops do not make for a good Congress. Hard work, commitment to advancing the interests of our country and basic levels of respect for one another, even those on the other side, should be the standard.
Americans should expect members of Congress, in President George Washington’s words, to “promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.”
In fact, our future demands it.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Budget Reality (again)
On Monday, City Council was presented the working documents for the FY 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. While it's a better year than the past several, we still expect to have to make $4.8 million in additional cuts to the budget. This will be a painful process and we will do our best to find the program and service reductions in the least impactful areas possible. But we need to be realistic that we will all feel the reductions.
It's important to share that of the city's +/- $250 million annual budget, nearly $75million of this goes to RCPS off the top. Then the city must provide certain programs and services, carry out certain required and necessary administrative functions (managing and operating the city generally, collecting taxes and administering the courts and legal functions, funding public safety and human service programs and services required by the state etc.). So at the end of the day, the city has only a little more than 1/4 of the budget to discretionarily spend - the money that funds our more typical activities, maintenance of the city, operation of parks and greenways, management of infrastructural operations and systems etc. With nearly $25 million less money in the last three years, and having to cut this out of the discretionary areas (while maintaining public safety, increasing funding to schools to offset state funding cuts as best as possible), it has been a challenge.
Our city manager, Chris Morrill said it best when he said that we have cut the low-hanging fruit, the medium-hanging fruit and the high-hanging fruit. Now we are cutting limbs.
So this is the less than positive news but I think it's important to try to be as realistic as possible so that folks understand the "new normal" we are living in where we have to find ways to adapt to less revenue and increasing costs - clearly a daunting challenge.
The great news is we have excellent city personnel who are working tirelessly to deliver services and programs, provide public safety to the city and its residents, educate our kids, provide recreational amenities and keep the city looking wonderful and other services - all with 188 fewer staff positions and no raises or cost of living adjustments for several years (we are working to find the resources for a one-time bonus by une 30 of this year). Our budget staff are some of the best around and our administration is handling the many challenges with a genuine understanding of the effects additional cuts will have on the daily lives of our citizens. The initial budget we just received truly reflects this. And council recognizes the need to be fiscally responsible while continuing to position Roanoke and its residents on a positive course for the future.
We will get through this difficult period and I really believe come out in a stronger position on the other side. We've worked through the most challenging financial times faced in a long while, and believe we have generally done well and worked with our partners in the business, non-profit and other outside agency community to more efficiently operate and deliver for the taxpayers.
I hope folks will continue to call and email to provide input on areas to protect and areas where reductions may be palatable.
Thank you.
It's important to share that of the city's +/- $250 million annual budget, nearly $75million of this goes to RCPS off the top. Then the city must provide certain programs and services, carry out certain required and necessary administrative functions (managing and operating the city generally, collecting taxes and administering the courts and legal functions, funding public safety and human service programs and services required by the state etc.). So at the end of the day, the city has only a little more than 1/4 of the budget to discretionarily spend - the money that funds our more typical activities, maintenance of the city, operation of parks and greenways, management of infrastructural operations and systems etc. With nearly $25 million less money in the last three years, and having to cut this out of the discretionary areas (while maintaining public safety, increasing funding to schools to offset state funding cuts as best as possible), it has been a challenge.
Our city manager, Chris Morrill said it best when he said that we have cut the low-hanging fruit, the medium-hanging fruit and the high-hanging fruit. Now we are cutting limbs.
So this is the less than positive news but I think it's important to try to be as realistic as possible so that folks understand the "new normal" we are living in where we have to find ways to adapt to less revenue and increasing costs - clearly a daunting challenge.
The great news is we have excellent city personnel who are working tirelessly to deliver services and programs, provide public safety to the city and its residents, educate our kids, provide recreational amenities and keep the city looking wonderful and other services - all with 188 fewer staff positions and no raises or cost of living adjustments for several years (we are working to find the resources for a one-time bonus by une 30 of this year). Our budget staff are some of the best around and our administration is handling the many challenges with a genuine understanding of the effects additional cuts will have on the daily lives of our citizens. The initial budget we just received truly reflects this. And council recognizes the need to be fiscally responsible while continuing to position Roanoke and its residents on a positive course for the future.
We will get through this difficult period and I really believe come out in a stronger position on the other side. We've worked through the most challenging financial times faced in a long while, and believe we have generally done well and worked with our partners in the business, non-profit and other outside agency community to more efficiently operate and deliver for the taxpayers.
I hope folks will continue to call and email to provide input on areas to protect and areas where reductions may be palatable.
Thank you.
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