The university’s established drone experts will run the new Counter UAS Research and Testing Center.
Economy
Posted inEconomy
Virginia Supreme Court, examining new law, rules in railroad’s favor against internet provider
The court found in favor of Norfolk Southern against Cox Communications, saying that a recent state law meant to streamline broadband expansion unconstitutionally allows privately owned cable providers to take railroad property for nonpublic use.
Posted inEconomy
6 Southwest and Southside localities receive state funding for workforce housing projects
Blacksburg, Bristol, Danville, South Boston, Washington County and Wytheville are among the 10 localities slated to receive funding.
Posted inEconomy
Appalachian Power requests bill increases to recover costs
The utility’s proposals would raise the average residential customer’s bill by $6.36 per month, or about 3.8%. Appalachian also wants to continue evaluating a Campbell County property as it considers locating a small modular nuclear reactor there.
Posted inEconomy
Henry County breaks ground on effort to turn around once-dilapidated neighborhood
The Villa Heights project will bring 13 new homes to Collinsville.
Posted inEconomy
Senators including Virginia’s Warner push Trump to release broadband deployment funding
A dozen Democratic U.S. senators say that the Trump administration’s delay in implementing a Biden-era broadband expansion law threatens to leave underserved communities behind.
Posted inEconomy
Brighter future? Solar apprenticeships add renewable energy skills to local jobs
A regional partnership aims to train young people as they go, developing workforce skills in anticipation of increasing demand for renewable energy-focused jobs in the heart of coal country.
Posted inEconomy
State regulators approve Columbia Gas increase
The average residential customer’s monthly bill will increase about $6.
Posted inEconomy
Trump administration’s cancellation of internet access grants will cost Southwest and Southside Virginia, officials say
President Donald Trump called the Digital Equity Act “racist,” “unconstitutional” and a “woke handout.” A former Biden administration official who helped lead the program it created said it would have benefited mostly white residents.
Posted inEconomy
Virginia Tech-led ‘climate-smart’ program to continue under new Trump administration rules
The three-year program saw its funding temporarily paused, but officials are confident it meets new USDA criteria to continue paying farmers who employ environmentally friendly farming techniques.