http://jlarc.virginia.gov/reports/Rpt449.pdf
Latest annual report on the growth of Virginia state government spending over the past ten years. Documents the amount (20% after accounting for inflation and population growth) and areas of budget growth. From the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee
http://www.boem.gov/Press12062013/
Press release announcing that more hurdles have been cleared for the issuing of a wind energy research lease to Virginia’s Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy. DMME has proposed developing a grid-connected, 12-megawatt offshore wind test facility off the southeastern coast of Virginia. From the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2013/nov21_gov.shtml
Announces plan to begin assigning A-F grades to Virginia public schools at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year based on the demonstrated proficiency of their students. From the Virginia Department of Education
Provides a literature review, statistics, and an assessment of outdoors recreation resources, participation trends, and funding to provide evidence for future policy discussions. From the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia
http://leg2.state.va.us/dls/h&sdocs.nsf/By+Year/RD3162013/$file/RD316.pdf
Summarizes recent efforts by the state to leverage the state’s investment in passenger rail, transit, and transportation demand management programs to reduce highway congestion. Describes major trends shaping Virginia’s transportation future. From the Secretary of Transportation
http://leg2.state.va.us/dls/h&sdocs.nsf/By+Year/RD3302013/$file/RD330.pdf
Latest annual report on how Virginia is doing in terms of quality of life for its citizens. It tracks progress over time, highlights challenges, and provides analytic information for decision making. From the Council on Virginia’s Future
http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/0802/pdf/ds802.pdf
Describes the condition of the Clinch River and whether there are measurable differences in chemical, physical, or biological characteristics in a segment of the river where mussel populations are in decline. From the U.S. Geological Survey
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/lapi/2013/pdf/lapi1113.pdf
Personal income growth slowed in most of the nation’s 381 metro statistical areas with increased growth in only 65. Overall MSA personal income rose 4.2% in 2012 after 6% growth in 2011. Growth was 3.7% in the local Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA. From the Bureau of Economic Analysis