WGA News: Economic development, energy, natural resources and more
The latest edition of the Western Governors' Association News Roundup marks our shift to a monthly publication schedule in recognition of the fast-moving pace of Western news in economic development, energy, natural resources.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
"Results Washington" initiative launched: Gov. Jay Inslee has launched Results Washington, which allows state leaders to make better-informed, data-driven decisions that improve quality and speed service delivery. It will also allow Washingtonians to see how well state government, school districts, local governments and community organizations meet goals.
Alaska Space Industry Partnership: Gov. Sean Parnell signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell establishing a formal operating relationship between the Alaska Aerospace Corporation and the Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority.
Boeing expanding in Montana: Gov. Steve Bullock and Sen. Max Baucus joined Boeing CEO Jim McNerney to announce that Boeing will expand its Helena manufacturing site by nearly 50 percent and add more than 20 jobs during the Montana Economic Development Summit.
FORESTS
Colorado grants for wildfire mitigation: Gov. John Hickenlooper announced more than $4 million in grants to reduce wildfire risk. The grants will be directed to 25 projects in 16 counties to treat more than 6,600 acres in areas where human development and forested landscapes overlap.
Interactive Rim Fire map: The fourth largest wildfire in California history had burned about 256,528 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest near Yosemite National Park by Sept. 17, when it was 84% contained. This map shows how the fire grew after its start on Aug. 19.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Small-port dredging on Oregon coast: Gov. John Kitzhaber, the Oregon Legislature’s Coastal Caucus and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced a partnership to fund critical dredging projects for Oregon’s small coastal ports.
Climate Change Partnership With China: Gov. Jerry Brown of California and National Development and Reform Commission Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua have signed an accord boosting bilateral cooperation on climate change, clean energy and low carbon development.
North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board: Gov. Jack Dalrymple has appointed the first members to this board, which will recommend projects to be supported through the Outdoor Heritage Fund at up to $30 million per biennium.
Wyoming regional haze plan: Gov. Matt Mead, noting his state has put a lot of resources into a strong plan for addressing regional haze, says the Environmental Protection Agency should not deny part of the state plan.
Protecting New Mexico Rivers and Watersheds: Gov. Susana Martinez has announced the New Mexico River Stewards Initiative, which will fund projects to clear vegetation in river areas, lower river banklines, replant native species vegetation, revitalize wetlands and install erosion control.
ET CETERA
Promoting Utah's great outdoors: Gov.Gary Herbert recently established the country's first state Office of Outdoor Recreation. Forbes wrote about Gov. Herbert's recent visit to New York to spread the word about Utah recreation opportunities and their economic impact.
Arizona Prescription Drug Initiative honored: Gov. Jan Brewer announced that Arizona’s Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Initiative has been awarded the 2013 Western Region Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award.
Governor’s Conference on Small Business: Attendance exceeded expectations at Gov. Brian Sandoval's second annual conferenece, which allowed business leaders, policymakers and educators to interact with small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Skydiving for charity caught on video: South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard recently went skydiving for the first time to make good on a charitable bet.
Taiwan, Idaho sign wheat agreement: Gov. Butch Otter presided as Taiwan Flour Mills Association representatives and Idaho wheat industry officials signed an agreement supporting U.S. wheat exports in a deal worth $484 million.
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