From the office of Gov. Kaine: Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a telework initiative for gubernatorial appointees, which includes about 120 employees in the Cabinet and Governor’s Office. Governor Kaine also announced an improved State Telework Policy – published late last week – directing all state agencies to consider ways to improve and expand agency telework and alternate work schedule programs. “Rising fuel prices, the escalating cost of commuting to work, worsening traffic congestion and reduced air quality compel a change in the business culture of state agencies,” Governor Kaine said. “Telework reduces energy consumption, both in the amount of gasoline used for daily commuting and in office building energy costs. This policy provides a timely opportunity to create a culture of conservation within the state workforce, which can serve as an example for Virginia businesses in the private sector.”

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From the office of Gov. Kaine: “Governor Timothy M. Kaine today stood with members of the House and Senate and released his proposed transportation legislation to be considered during the upcoming special session of the General Assembly. The Governor’s legislation will provide much-needed funding for our growing highway maintenance needs; fund congestion relief in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads; and invest in more innovative, energy-efficient transportation solutions.”

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Another topical thread emerges, well, because it is on folks’ minds.

From the office of Gov. Kaine: “Governor Timothy M. Kaine today issued an Executive Order to grant a temporary waiver allowing gasoline retailers to use the practice called half-pricing on older analog pumps which are technically unable to register a price above $3.99 per gallon.”

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The latest on oil and gasoline prices. Now might be a good time to remind folks of Gasbuddy.com, which hosts RichmondGasPrices.com (which I’ve linked to the Petersburg details). This tool can be found in this site’s directory, under ‘Web-based tools’.

After lengthy negotiations, and Council’s approving a measure last month to use eminent domain if need be, the property owner and City were finally able to agree to a price and as a result the City has acquired the last piece of property needed to commence with the new multimodal transit center. The P-I reports that groundbreaking is set for Sept.

RichmondGasPrices.com is a nifty tool that allows motorists to report prices seen at the pump. The site allows one to search prices by area (e.g., Ashland, Glen Allen, Fort Lee…), by type of station (e.g., BP, Chevron, Wawa…), and by type of gas (e.g., regular, premium, diesel), plus offers maps, charts, and other bells/whistles. For Petersburg-specific prices, click here; for greater-Richmond prices, check here; for other VA-area gas prices, start here.