Javascript is required to run this page
VaNews

Search


Youngkin assesses Hampton Roads bridge risks after Baltimore collapse

By BRENDAN PONTON, WTKR-TV

Video of the Key Bridge collapsing in Baltimore has led to concerns about bridges across the country and here in Hampton Roads, but on Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) downplayed comparisons to Hampton Roads. “I think it’s really important to emphasize the fact that our Hampton Roads Port infrastructure is accessed over the ocean over a series of tunnels, so this kind of span bridge is not something that has to be navigated through our Hampton Roads Port infrastructure from the ocean,” he told reporters.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Baltimore Carnival cruise ship to operate out of Norfolk following bridge collapse

By GAVIN STONE, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The Baltimore-based cruise line Carnival Legend will operate temporarily out of Norfolk in the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s collapse early Tuesday morning, Carnival Cruise Line announced. The Legend’s current voyage is scheduled to end on March 31 and will dock in Norfolk. Following the cruise’s return, passengers will be given free bus rides back to Baltimore, Carnival said in a news release. The ship can carry as many as 2,124 guests, according to Carnival’s website.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Baltimore bridge collapse will drive ships to Port of Va.

By KATE ANDREWS AND ROBYN SIDERSKY, Virginia Business

After a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing the bridge to collapse and possibly claiming multiple lives, ships bound for the Port of Baltimore will be diverted to other ports, primarily the Port of Virginia and the Port of New York and New Jersey.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Port of Virginia expects to receive some Baltimore ship traffic after bridge collapse, official says

By TREVOR METCALFE, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The Port of Virginia is ready to help receive diverted cargo traffic after a bridge collapse shut down ship operations at the Port of Baltimore early Tuesday morning. “Our operating team is already working with ocean carriers whose vessels were due to call Baltimore and offering the capability of our port to discharge cargoes as requested,” Joe Harris, Virginia Port Authority spokesperson, said Tuesday in an emailed statement.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center plans expansion

By LUKE WEIR, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Expansion is due at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, where a unique use of state law can fund construction bonds worth up to $14 million, officials said. The facility is planning to expand by 10%, which will be around 9,600 square feet.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Opening of Amazon facility, expansion of Coke bottling plant cap big week in eastern Henrico

By JONATHAN SPIERS, Richmond BizSense

A pair of back-to-back events in Henrico on Monday capped a trifecta of economic announcements for the county over the past week. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other state officials joined Henrico administrators and company representatives in celebrating the opening of the massive Amazon distribution center near Richmond Raceway, as well as the completion of the second expansion in three years of bottling company Coca-Cola Consolidated’s plant in Sandston.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Strasburg’s First Bank to buy Prince George-based Touchstone Bank

By MICHAEL SCHWARTZ, Richmond BizSense

A bank from the northern part of the state is making its second acquisition in less than three years in part to expand its presence in the greater Richmond market. Strasburg-based First Bank on Tuesday announced its pending deal to absorb Touchstone Bank, which is headquartered in Prince George and has branches around the southern edges of the region. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter and would create a $2.1 billion institution with 32 branches.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Warner provides Capitol Hill update during Navy Federal visit

By BRIAN BREHM, Winchester Star (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) stopped by Navy Federal Credit Union‘s Winchester Operations Center on Tuesday morning to meet with employees and tour the facility. Problem is, he became so involved in speaking to staff that he never got to check out the campus. Warner’s 50-minute conversation with more than 100 Navy Federal employees touched on a variety of topics from Capitol Hill

VaNews March 27, 2024


Warner touts infrastructure funding, aid to Ukraine and affordable housing

By BOB STUART, News Virginian

Virginia U.S. Sen. Mark Warner was succinct and candid about several important topics during a Staunton appearance Tuesday at the Mill Street Grill. The commonwealth’s senior senator came to the Shenandoah Valley to discuss the benefits of the 2021 federal infrastructure legislation he helped negotiate. During his hour-long appearance, he also commented on the country’s border crisis, affordable housing, and aid to Ukraine.

VaNews March 27, 2024


Mountain Valley Pipeline again cited for environmental violations

By LAURENCE HAMMACK, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

State regulators have cited the Mountain Valley Pipeline with its latest round of violating rules meant to limit the environmental impact of burrowing a large pipe through the waters and mountains of Southwest Virginia. In a letter to company officials dated Monday, the Department of Environmental Quality demanded a fine of $34,000. Among the violations: Dirt and rocks being thrown into a stream from blasting, a wetland that was damaged by improper installation of a construction bridge, and failures to maintain earthen mounds, sandbags, and other devices designed to curb muddy runoff from the pipeline right-of-way.

VaNews March 27, 2024