Press Releases
The following are recent press releases issued by the Office of the Governor.
Governor Douglas Appoints David Tucker Commissioner of DII and State CIO
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Douglas today announced the appointment of David H. Tucker as Commissioner of the Department of Information and Innovation and Chief Information Officer for the State of Vermont. Tucker has, for the last four years, served as Deputy Commissioner of the Department. Tucker replaces Tom Murray who recently resigned to take the position of Executive Director of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority.
“David’s experiences at DII and in state government broadly make him specially qualified to act as the State’s CIO during this critical time,” said Governor Douglas. “David’s leadership skills are essential as we look to IT for ways to deliver government services more effectively and affordably.”
“I want to thank Governor Douglas for this new opportunity to serve Vermont,” said Tucker. “I’m looking forward to continuing the good work that DII is doing to make state government more efficient.” Read More
Governor Douglas Lauds Smart Grid Stimulus Grant of Almost $69 Million to Vermont Utilities
Statewide Project Will Create Both Short and Long Term Jobs
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas welcomed the news today that Vermont’s electric utilities will receive $68,928,650 in competitive federal stimulus funds to deploy Smart Grid technology including advanced metering and grid automation technologies statewide.
“This grant is exciting not only for the jobs created in the short term by transition to Smart Grid technologies, but also because of the jobs and economic benefits it provides in the long term by making our energy costs more competitive,” Governor Douglas said. “And it will help position Vermont to take advantage of technologies such as electric and plug in hybrid vehicles, enabling us to reduce the fossil fuel we use for transportation as well as heating and other uses.”
Four-hundred applications totaling $17 billion were submitted nationally. Vermont’s coordinated statewide application was one of 100 that were funded and constitutes roughly 2% of the total $3.4 billion awarded. The grant from the Department of Energy, announced today, will cover half the costs of almost $138 million in planned improvements by utilities across Vermont.
“I want to thank our Congressional Delegation, Chief Technology Officer Tom Evslin, Commissioner Dave O’Brien and Vermont utilities for working tirelessly to put forward the best possible application,” the Governor said. Read More
Douglas Taps Transportation and Planning Expert to Lead State Efforts to Manage Champlain Bridge Closure
Montpelier, Vt. –Governor Jim Douglas today announced that he has tapped 34 year New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) Veteran and current Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) employee, Jim Harris to lead the state’s multi-faceted approach to managing the Champlain Bridge closure.
“Jim’s leadership skills and his ability to manage challenges that extend beyond transportation make him more than qualified for this vital role,” said Governor Douglas. “He has more than 40 years of experience in transportation and project management. His expertise, on the ground in Addison County dealing with the wide-range of challenges, from economic and jobs loss to agriculture, caused by this transportation crisis will be essential.
“Jim has the tools needed to be the State’s eyes and ears at this critical time,” said VTrans Secretary David Dill. “We want the public to have the best and latest information as we work day and night to find a solution to this terrible situation.” Read More
NEW YORK GOVERNOR PATERSON AND VERMONT GOVERNOR DOUGLAS ANNOUNCE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES TO ASSIST RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY THE CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE CLOSURE
New York and Vermont Transportation Agencies Continue Work to Assess Bridge Deterioration and Develop a Repair Plan
In response to the recent Champlain Bridge closure, New York Governor David A. Paterson and Vermont Governor Jim Douglas today announced transportation alternatives so that residents can cross Lake Champlain. New York and Vermont have reached an agreement with the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry operator to offer free ferry service between Ticonderoga, New York and Shoreham, Vermont and with Lake Champlain Transportation to offer free ferry service at the Essex/Charlotte crossing. Also, starting tomorrow, free express bus service will bring commuters to three major employers in Vermont. In addition, pedestrian ferry service has been established north of the Lake Champlain Bridge between Westport, New York and Basin Harbor, Vermont.
“Governor Douglas and I continue to work diligently on both sides of the Lake to offer transportation alternatives to New York and Vermont residents who have been impacted by the closure of the Champlain Bridge,” Governor Paterson said. “We will continue to work with Vermont to find temporary solutions for crossing Lake Champlain and longer-term solutions for reopening the bridge to traffic.”
Governor Douglas said: “Governor Paterson shares my commitment to easing the burden on commuters, reestablishing truck and agricultural vehicle traffic, and allowing businesses and families to get across Lake Champlain in a safe affordable and timely manner. These alternatives are an important step in that direction. We are going to continue to make this our top transportation priority.” Read More
Douglas Administration Addresses Wide-Range of Champlain Bridge Challenges
Officials focused on all areas of concern: transportation, agriculture, small businesses, jobs and beyond
Montpelier, Vt. – In the week since New York Department of Transportation officials deemed the Champlain Bridge connecting Chimney Point, Vermont to Crown Point, New York unsafe for vehicle or pedestrian traffic, federal, state and local officials have been hard at work pinpointing and addressing the wide-range of challenges created by the bridge closure. Governor Jim Douglas today spoke with his staff via conference call from Seoul, South Korea to hear the latest update on the situation. At Governor Douglas’ direction, members of his cabinet have been coordinating efforts to ensure the needs of Vermonters, beyond the immediate transportation crisis, are being adequately addressed.
“This is certainly our top transportation priority but I want to ensure the people of Vermont that we are doing all we can across state government to assist those affected by this terrible situation,” said Governor Douglas. “That is why I have asked members of my administration from the Agency of Commerce, Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Emergency Management and others to determine what programs and services are needed and available in the short, medium and long terms to help those affected at this difficult time. It’s also why we’re working so closely with the members of our Congressional delegation to ensure we’re exploring all options available, at every level of government.”
Governor Douglas and South Korean Biotech Company Finalize Plan to Bring Hundreds of New Jobs to Vermont
Jay Peak’s Bill Stenger and AnC Bio VT, LLC Receive Approval as a Vermont EB-5 Regional Center Project
Seoul, South Korea – On their first full day in Asia, Governor Douglas and Commerce Secretary Kevin Dorn finalized plans with Jay Peak Resort President Bill Stenger and his partners, South Korean company AnC Bio Inc., to designate its new subsidiary, AnC Bio VT, LLC as an official Vermont EB-5 Regional Center Project. AnC Bio VT is now raising money for a planned new facility in Orleans County that will lead to the creation of over 200 new jobs.
"On behalf of the people of Vermont, I want to welcome AnC Bio to Vermont. This is an exciting opportunity that can bring hundreds of high-tech, good paying jobs to our state,” Governor Douglas said. “Thanks to the EB-5 program, our economic development team and Bill Stenger – who was instrumental in bringing this company to Vermont – we are bringing millions in new investment to Vermont businesses and hundreds of new jobs to our state at this critical time. This company and others we are meeting with will bring important job opportunities to the people of our state.” Read More
Governor Douglas and VHFA Applaud Treasury Action on Housing Finance Agency Assistance
Montpelier, Vt. – Gov. James Douglas and the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) applauded the U.S. Treasury Department announcement yesterday to bolster state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) and their efforts to stimulate home buying for low and moderate-income homeowners, and provide affordable rental homes. The initiative is part of President Obama’s Making Home Affordable program.
“I am so pleased that the Treasury Department has responded to calls for assistance from Vermont and across the country. This initiative is critical to helping struggling Vermonters access affordable and sustainable housing. It is also a welcome investment in the long-term viability of the VHFA. Dorothy and I had our first mortgage through VHFA, so we know first hand what an invaluable resource it is for working Vermonters, especially in a recovering economy,” said Governor Douglas.
Since this spring, Governor Douglas, Chair of the National Governor’s Association, Vermont’s Congressional delegation, and VHFA have been actively encouraging the Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) to develop a program to help state HFAs expand their affordable lending efforts and strengthen their financial standing by overcoming obstacles to both created by the financial crisis. Read More
Governor Directs VTrans to Begin Planning for Additional Ferry Service in the Wake of The Champlain Bridge Closure
Montpelier, Vt. – The sudden and immediate closing of the Champlain Bridge connecting Chimney Point, Vermont to Crown Point, New York has prompted Governor Douglas to direct Transportation Secretary David Dill to begin immediate planning and preparation for extended additional ferry service. Service will begin as soon as possible should the inspections now underway conclude that the bridge will need to remain closed indefinitely while repairs are being made.
“Detours are time consuming and costly. This is not just about convenience; this is an economic burden as well as a safety issue,” said Governor Douglas. “For some Vermonters, their economic wellbeing depends on being able to travel between Vermont and New York on a daily basis. And many New Yorkers rely on hospital services in Vermont. That is why I want to be sure that we are doing all we can to find a short-term solution for the thousands of Vermont and New York residences whose lives have been disrupted by this emergency situation.” Read More
Governor Douglas Establishes Health Care Cabinet
State health officials will meet to create better coordination and health outcomes for Vermonters
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced the creation of a Health Care Cabinet, to help coordinate Vermont’s nationally recognized health reform initiatives across several agencies and departments and to help implement any health reforms that may be enacted at the federal level in the near future. The Cabinet will be comprised of representatives from agencies and departments with jurisdiction over health care services, policy, regulation and implementation, among other responsibilities.
“The Health Care Cabinet provides an excellent opportunity to continue to build on Vermont’s successes in the health care arena – to identify efficiencies and new, creative ideas to help Vermont residents. Collaboration across state government will be especially critical as we work to analyze the impact of and plan for the implementation of any national health care reforms. I’m pleased to have such a great team of people working together on this important issue,” said Governor Douglas. Read More
Governor Jim Douglas Appoints Tom Evslin Chief Technology Officer for Vermont
Former Recovery Czar to Prepare Telecom Initiatives for 2010 Legislative Session
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas and Secretary of Administration Neale Lunderville today announced the appointment of Chief Recovery Officer Tom Evslin to the new position of Chief Technology Officer with specific initial responsibility for preparing telecom initiatives for the upcoming legislative session. Evslin will also help formulate policy for use of technology in the e-state government of the future including cloud computing and other technical opportunities for the state, smart grid, and the use of energy by state government.
The change in responsibility will be effective on October 31, 2009 after the first cycle of state reporting on stimulus spending and jobs creation to the federal Office of Management and Budget has been completed. Mel Adams, currently director for physical infrastructure in the Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery, will succeed Evslin as Director of the Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery.
“This is a time of both challenge and opportunity for our critical telecom infrastructure, “said Governor Douglas. “The national recession and rapid technology changes have made the necessary capital harder to raise nationwide. On a positive note, VELCO is building high bandwidth fiber to every corner of the State; the NorthLink project should bring additional much needed Internet backbone capacity to the Northeast Kingdom; we have a coordinated set of broadband stimulus applications pending; and we have strong, new management at the VTA with Tom Murray as the Executive Director. I believe that with the appointments of Evslin and Murray we can work to improve outcomes and progress and achieve our goal of becoming the first true e-state. Read More