Special discounts include folding campers from $4,999; trailers from $8,999; and motorhomes from $49,999. Plus, manufacturer rebates on select RVs. Booths featuring parts and accessories, campground information, on-site RV financing and RV rentals make this the complete RV show experience.

At the show, enter to win the Ultimate MIS Race Experience package from Michigan International Speedway. Includes tickets, camping and VIP access (valued at nearly $3,000).

A special $1 off coupon is available at www.marvac.org, southeast Michigan CVS Pharmacies, Big Boy restaurants and in area newspapers. The 2010 RV & Campsite, a guide to camping in Michigan, will be available free to consumers.

The 21st Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show will be held at the Rock Financial Showplace and is open weekdays 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost for adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $8; senior admission is $7; children ages 12 and under are admitted free! Your RV show ticket will also get into the Fall Remodeling & Design Expo in adjacent area, Thursday through Sunday.

The show is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC), a member organization representing all aspects of the camping and RV industries.

Consumers can call 517.349.8881 or visit www.marvac.org for additional information on the RV show.

News Source: Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The $11.7 million Route 2 project in Orange is reconstructing and making safety improvements along 5 miles of Route 2, including rehabilitating and widening the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s MassDOT is widening the shoulder, extending the existing climbing lanes, and improving the acceleration and deceleration lanes and the alignments at various on/off ramps. In addition, the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122 will be widened and the superstructure replaced to accommodate the proposed widened climbing lane.

“The Route 2 projects are making lasting improvements to a vital corridor and are just some of the hundreds of infrastructure projects underway now to reverse the decades of neglect we inherited,” said Governor Patrick. “My Administration is focused on creating jobs, fostering economic development and strengthening public safety right here in Orange and in every community in the Commonwealth. That’s what governing for the long term is all about.”

“The Orange Route 2 safety improvements are precisely the type of highway project that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was intended to fund,” said Congressman John Olver. “This shovel ready project, championed by community members, has been sitting on the shelf for years awaiting funding. It will create jobs, build upon the Route 2 safety improvements that have already been completed, and dramatically increase the safety of travelers along this scenic route.”

“The six projects ongoing along Route 2 include investments not only from federal stimulus but also our statewide road and bridge repair program and Governor Patrick’s historic Accelerated Bridge Program,” said MassDOT Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan. “We are completing hundreds of projects this year alone, representing a $1 billion investment in our future.”

The Route 2 project in Orange, scheduled for completion in 2012, is among six projects in MassDOT’s Route 2 Safety Improvement Initiative. For several years, MassDOT has partnered with the Route 2 Task force to implement improvements along the entire corridor, working from a regional perspective to reach consensus among the communities about how the corridor should look as a whole.

Other projects include:

•$2.5M reconstruction of Route 2 in Erving from River Road to Old Route 2.

•$1.5M construction of a new bridge carrying Route 2 over Lake Rohunta from Athol to Orange.

•$2.9M ARRA project for the resurfacing of Route 2 and other improvements in Erving, Gill, Orange, and Wendell.

•$5.3M reconstruction of two Route 2 bridges in Erving over Route 63 and the New England Central Railroad.

•The innovative $3.1M design/build ABP bridge replacement of Route 2 over Route 2A in Phillipston.

“I am thrilled that this money is being allocated to road and bridge projects along Route 2. This road is one of the main roads through my district and I travel it often. I am excited that this money will be used to improve infrastructure and increase the safety of travel along this route,” said Senator Stephen Brewer.

“Route 2 is vital to the prosperity of western Massachusetts and it is imperative that all levels of government work together to make it as safe as possible. I am pleased to be here today to highlight the progress we’ve made so far and to rededicate ourselves to the work that’s ongoing,” said Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg.

“Governor Patrick deserves the thanks of this entire region. After years of dragging along, he has moved Rt. 2 reconstruction ahead of schedule creating jobs, enhancing safety and making this area more attractive for business development. Governor Patrick’s leadership is helping our communities,” said Representative Christopher J. Donelan.

“I want to thank Congressman Olver and Governor Patrick for their advocacy and efforts in obtaining this funding for these important parts of the overall project. I am hopeful that protective fencing on the bridges can be included as part of this project for the safety of all motorists,” said Representative Anne M. Gobi.

“Route 2 is a major transportation link for western Massachusetts, and these improvements are a worthy investment that will enhance public safety, stimulate our economy, and provide better travel conditions for the public,” said Representative Stephen Kulik.

The statewide road and bridge program combined with the eight-year, $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program and federal stimulus funds have more than doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in roads and bridges from $515 million in FY2007 to a projected $1.085 in FY2010.

The combined road and bridge construction program will support more than 10,000 jobs on 385 separate projects across the Commonwealth.

At the same time, MassDOT reduced the time from construction contract advertisement to construction start by more than 43 percent – a drop from 218 days in 2008 to 124 days in 2009. For ARRA projects, the timeline from construction contract advertisement to notice to proceed was reduced to 48 days, allowing MassDOT to put people to work on construction projects faster than ever before.

The road and bridge projects are a part of the more than $4 billion infrastructure investments being made as part of the Administration’s Massachusetts Works initiative to put nearly 20,000 people to work across the Commonwealth this construction season.

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda .

“This project is an excellent example of how infrastructure investment creates jobs, as well as a foundation for further private sector growth,” said Governor Patrick. “I thank Secretary Donovan and Congressman Olver for helping us secure funding for this project and so many projects like it across the Commonwealth. This is why Massachusetts is coming out of recession faster and stronger than the rest of the country, while remaining true to our values.”

“This kind of construction project will help put people back to work as we focus on Massachusetts’ economic recovery,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “We are excited about today’s groundbreaking and look forward to seeing this project support our seniors while also facilitating economic development, sustainability and growth for the region and the Commonwealth.”

“Typically, assisted living facilities are only an option for those with significant means. Only a very small handful of facilities in Massachusetts currently cater to seniors who have worked hard all their lives, but have little in the way of savings or other resources to afford assisted living. This new facility will allow seniors of various economic means to live in a community where they will receive the care and attention they deserve,” said Congressman John Olver.

“I am thrilled that this conversion will soon be underway, producing quality affordable homes for Gardner’s seniors. I applaud Congressman Olver and Governor Patrick for their support for this development,” said Secretary Donovan. “The plans for Heywood Wakefield are a great example of Recovery Act funding jumpstarting a stalled development. This development will improve quality of life for residents while promoting green construction and creating quality jobs at the same time.”

When completed, the Heywood Wakefield assisted living facility will join two adjacent sections of that mill complex already converted into 171 units of elderly housing and 175 units of mixed income apartments. All 78 units will be affordable to elders with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income. Eight units will be available to residents with incomes at or below 30%. The property will consist primarily of studio apartments, and the design incorporates extensive common space throughout the building including a library, dining room, wellness center, activities space, living room, and a country kitchen. Residents will receive assistance with daily activities and housekeeping.

“This is a win-win situation as this project will generate nearly 140 jobs and will provide our seniors a housing opportunity that’s affordable. Investments in projects like this are necessary to put our people back to work and to help our seniors. I am pleased to see the Patrick-Murray Administrations continued investment in jobs and economic opportunities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco, Chair of the Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight.

“This project is a perfect example of how we can revitalize existing structures through federal and local partnerships to provide new, affordable housing in the Commonwealth. The Heywood Wakefield 3 will provide safe and affordable housing to many seniors in need, engage our older population in a new community, and provide a place to call home,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing.

“I am so pleased to see the Heywood Wakefield Assisted Living Center project become a reality. The Greater Gardner community will soon have another wonderful resource for an underserved segment of the population. I look forward to working with Governor Patrick, Congressman Olver, Senator Flanagan, and all other interested parties as this project moves toward completion. I congratulate all who have worked so hard on this,” said Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr.

Over the past year, the Patrick-Murray Administration has distributed more than $59.6 million in tax credit assistance recovery funds from HUD along with $109.1 million in tax credit exchange recovery funds from the U.S. Treasury to revive 32 similar developments across the Commonwealth. These projects were stalled due to a lack of available equity in previously awarded federal low-income housing tax credits. They are now expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs and provide nearly 2,000 new housing units, 1,669 of which will be affordable for low- and moderate-income working families.

Since taking office, Governor Patrick’s top priority has been to create jobs and build a stronger economic foundation for the people of Massachusetts. Through fiscally responsible, targeted investments in the life sciences and clean energy sectors, along with the largest investment in the state’s public infrastructure in decades, the Patrick-Murray Administration is putting people back to work across the Commonwealth. As a result, Massachusetts is emerging from the recession faster and stronger than any other state in the nation.

July marked the sixth straight month of job gains in Massachusetts – with a total of almost 64,000 jobs added since December 2009. In April, the Commonwealth had the largest single monthly job gain in 17 years, adding 19,000 jobs to our economy. Last month, the private sector created 19,200 jobs, the greatest monthly private sector increase in 20 years. Additionally, CNBC recently ranked Massachusetts the fifth best state to do business in, a significant improvement from 15th in 2008 and eighth in 2009. It also marked the first time in the history of the rankings that Massachusetts has finished in the top five.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reports that since the national recession began in December 2007, Massachusetts’ economy has performed better than 33 of the 50 states. In the last quarter of 2009, Massachusetts outperformed 48 other states. And, expressly citing the Governor’s successful management through the national fiscal crisis, all three national rating agencies – Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s – have re-affirmed the state’s AA bond rating.

To learn more about the Governor’s plan to revive housing development projects across the Commonwealth, click here. To learn more about the Governor’s job creation and economic growth initiatives, visit www.ma.gov/governor/jobs.

Signed by Governor Patrick on August 6, the law also reduces recidivism by allowing non-violent offenders serving mandatory minimum sentences to receive supervision and training before being released back into the community and combats gun violence by adding illegal gun possession to the list of crimes prosecutors can use for pre-trial detention of suspects.

“The best way to break the cycle of recidivism is to make it possible for people to get a job,” said Governor Patrick. “This legislation brings our outdated criminal history database into the 21st century, ensures law enforcement agencies, employers and housing providers have access to accurate and complete records in appropriate circumstances, and helps people get back to work so they can support their families. I commend the Legislature for sending me this tough and smart anti-crime package.”

Recognizing the importance of implementing tough and smart anti-crime measures, Governor Patrick first filed CORI Reform on January 11, 2008. The comprehensive reform enhances employment and economic opportunities for citizens with criminal records and expands access to criminal record information for prospective employers and housing providers on an internet-based system holding the most accurate and relevant information. Felony convictions will be available for 10 years and misdemeanor convictions for five years, as long as there are no subsequent offenses. Murder and sex offense convictions remain in the system permanently. Pending cases that are continued without a finding (CWOF) will be available until disposed.

“Governor Patrick originally filed this comprehensive reform legislation to improve public safety and increase access to economic opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “By partnering with the Legislature, this administration passed a bill that will strengthen our neighborhoods by providing stronger safety measure on gun control while also increasing employment opportunities for those rehabilitated individuals transitioning back to the community.”

“This takes a responsible approach to targeted reforms that improve public safety and address the costly problems of recidivism and overcrowding,” Senate President Therese Murray said. “It also provides important new tools for employers to access the state’s criminal records system.”

“This legislation strikes a balance to reduce recidivism while remaining tough on violent offenders,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “This bill will provide new opportunities to those who have paid their debt to society while maintaining a strong focus on public safety.”

Currently, too many prisoners leave custody without supervision or programs to ease their re-entry into the community, contributing to high rates of recidivism. The law Governor Patrick signed today addresses sentencing reform by allowing some inmates imprisoned in Houses of Corrections for non-violent drug offenses parole eligibility after serving one half of their mandatory minimum sentence if no aggravating factors are found. As a condition of parole, the Parole Board may require enhanced supervision, including the use of a satellite tracking device. For the first time, the measure will give inmates serving sentences for non-violent drug offenses an opportunity to participate in the education and training, programs that reduce the likelihood they will re-offend following their release.

The new law also adds illegal firearms possession to the list of crimes a prosecutor may use to move for pre-trial detention of a suspect based on dangerousness and expands compensation funds to provide greater relief to crime victims.

“I am pleased we are able to celebrate the passing of CORI reform today in Worcester, where so many advocates have worked tirelessly to see this legislation become a reality,” said Senator Harriette L. Chandler.

“This reform is a common sense approach which balances public safety with an opportunity for a second chance for an ex-offender who is willing to contribute through gainful employment. These reforms will ensure the accuracy of records, leveling the playing field and opening doors to opportunity that had been closed,” said Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan.

Barbara J. Dougan, Massachusetts project director of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) said, “FAMM and its members are gratified to see Massachusetts take this first step toward meaningful sentencing reform. Over the years the studies have amassed, showing that mandatory minimum sentences do not reduce either drug offenses or drug dependency and addiction. Instead, too often they result in nonviolent or low level offenders being punished with the same lengthy sentences intended for drug kingpins. The Legislature showed courage in its willingness to acknowledge that when laws do not work as intended, change is needed. And today, by signing the bill into law, Governor Patrick continues his strong leadership on this issue. This is part of a nationwide trend, as at least 15 other states have reformed their drug sentencing laws in recent years.”

“Community organizations and unions worked tirelessly for this legislation because it will lessen crime in our communities and also give ex-offenders a fair chance to get jobs when they’ve shown they have rehabilitated themselves,” said Lewis Finfer, Director of Massachusetts Communities Action Network. “We need less crime victims and as people of faith, we believe in redemption.”

“This victory is the culmination of years of tireless work to bring the issue to the forefront and build support for change,” said Wilnelia Rivera, Chair of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition and Neighbor to Neighbor Campaigns Director. “Today, our state has made good policy for public safety and our communities. CORI reform will stop the revolving door of recidivism, strengthen families, and cut costs to taxpayers in the process.”

Angela Estrada, a member of Neighbor to Neighbor who has a CORI record, said, “This is a huge victory for all of the people that have worked hard for years to make this reform happen. We have made history by changing this law. We know that when we all unite, we can win.”

MassDOT’s TOD Infrastructure and Housing Support Program (“TOD Bond Program”) is intended to help create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development near transit stations. The TOD Bond Program provides financing for pedestrian improvements, bicycle facilities, housing projects and parking facilities within a quarter-mile of commuter rail, subway or bus stations, as well as ferry terminals.

The former 5.5-acre Brownfield site has been reclaimed and permitted as a TOD project for 199 residential units; 25 of which will be designated as affordable housing. The $50 million project is entirely funded by KSS Realty. Construction has started on the MaxPak site with demolition underway to prepare for construction of the first 15 housing units.

The MaxPak project is adjacent to the planned Green Line Extension, which will extend MBTA service to three densely-populated municipalities with high demand for public transit. The Green Line Extension is a significant economic development and transportation access improvement project for this key region of the Commonwealth.

As a result of the redevelopment of the MaxPak site, an extension of an existing Community Path is planned, encouraging alternative methods of transportation. The TOD grant funds a Community Path extension from Cedar Street to Lowell Street.

“MassDOT’s TOD grant program is designed for just this type of investment,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “We are committed to helping create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development close to transit stations.”

“We’re delighted to have the Governor in Somerville again, especially announcing this additional support for the Community Path, which is such an important project for our city. It’s crucial to build the Community Path at the same time as the Green Line Extension, since they are complementary,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen.

“What we have here are two fantastic projects coming together thanks to the leadership and vision of the Patrick-Murray Administration. The Community Path is an immensely popular bicycle and pedestrian corridor through our city that links to the Minuteman Path west of Somerville” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “This grant money will bring it right to the doorstep of the planned Green Line extension through Somerville, which is underway only because the Patrick-Murray Administration took charge after multiple previous administrations neglected it. And when you combine the popularity of Community Path with the impact of the Green Line extension, you get transformational development projects like what is taking place at the MaxPak site. This administration is building the infrastructure that will put Somerville on the path to success for decades to come.”

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession faster and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.

MassDOT is the new, unified transportation organization created in 2009 under the historic reform legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Patrick. MassDOT’s four divisions are focused on delivering safe and efficient transportation services across the Commonwealth. For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

The conference will include sessions on a variety of Sage MIP Fund Accounting topics, human resource requirements, procurement topics as well as social media, paperless office, to name just a few, all presented by veteran industry experts.

“We’re happy to bring a wonderful agenda of nonprofit and human resource topics and popular industry speakers to our attendees this year,” says Jeannie Huckstep, CPA, and Managing Member of Huckstep & Associates. “These professionals are looking to enhance their knowledge of technology, best practices, and their Sage software solutions.”

The conference is designed to assist those with Sage MIP Fund Accounting to become more proficient users of the software. “Sage MIP Fund Accounting is an award-winning, feature-rich product,” explains Huckstep. “We will be offering over 10 different sessions on the ways the various modules of the product can help nonprofits operate more effectively.”

This year the conference will be held in St. Louis, MO at the Hilton St. Louis Downtown. Agenda and registration information can be found at www.successfulmipusers.com/index.php . Early bird registration discount ends August 20, 2010.

About Huckstep & Associates:

Huckstep & Associates is a public accounting firm and provides pre-audit services, tax return preparation and compliance, HR and payroll services, accounting services and other consulting services to its for-profit and non-profit client entities. Huckstep & Associates serves customers in Missouri, Michigan, Colorado, Montana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and several other states. For more information about our services, please visit www.huckstep.com .

About Ziegner Technologies:

Since 1994, Ziegner Technologies has been helping nonprofits measure success while implementing targeted software solutions. Ziegner Technologies serves nonprofits, state and local agencies, and associations around the world. For more information about our services, please visit www.ztechinc.com/ .

News Source: Huckstep and Associates, LLC :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“We are very excited about Bike the Coast – Taste the Coast in Oceanside,” said Howard La Grange, Co-Chairman of the Oceanside Bicycle Committee. “We would like to see this as Oceanside’s annual signature event to get more people on bikes in our community. The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Oceanside as a ‘Bronze Level Bicycling City.’ Promoting events that bring more people of all ages to cycling is our goal. What’s great about this event is that it caters to both the experienced and beginner riders.”

Sharing the Oceanside Pier with the start and finish of the bicycling event, the Taste The Coast exposition will feature attractions and activities for both riders and spectators. Main Street Oceanside (MSO), producers of the very popular weekly Farmers and Sunset Markets, will provide food and music at the Taste The Coast. Kim Heim, Director of MSO, said that Taste the Coast offers “a chance to experience the food and fun that Oceanside has to offer. We are looking forward to a great event.”

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has also partnered with Bike the Coast – Taste the Coast to promote and sell exhibitor booths and sponsorship packages. “The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce is excited about this partnership in a new event for the City. I think it will take off and be successful. We are looking forward to a long term relationship,” said David Nydegger, CEO.

More information: www.bike-the-coast.com .

About Bike the Coast:

Bike The Coast offers a choice of 7, 15, 25 or 50-mile bicycle ride starting and finishing with food, fun and music at the Oceanside Pier on November 6, 2010. The cycling courses include the San Luis Rey Bike Trail and San Diego’s North County beach towns of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar. Beginners and experienced cyclists are welcome. Kids are welcome with parents, and the Bike Trail routes are perfect for visitors with beach cruisers as well as riders with mountain bikes, road bikes and BMX bikes.

Proceeds from the ride support the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (www.sdcbc.org) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to making bicycling better in greater San Diego and producers of Bike The Bay in August. For more information about Bike The Coast including registration and sponsorship and exhibition packets go to www.Bike-the-Coast.com or call 760/632-6843.

About the Oceanside Visitors Bureau:

For Oceanside Travel Information, including special deals on hotel rates go to www.visitoceanside.org or call 760/721-1101.

About the City of Oceanside Bicycle Committee:

The City of Oceanside Bicycle Committee organized a subcommittee with Bike the Coast – Taste the Coast organizers to engage community volunteers in helping with the event. For more information on volunteering please call 760/632-6843.

About Main Street Oceanside:
For more information please visit www.msoceanside.com .

About the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce:
For more information please visit www.oceansidechamber.com .

News Source: Event Media, Inc. :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The workshop features comprehensive coverage of the California Hazardous Waste Regulations (Title 22), including waste identification, management standards for universal wastes, on-site management requirements, manifesting, emergency planning and response, recordkeeping, and the latest legislative initiatives.

Lion Technology Director of Corporate Training, Scott Dunsmore, a national expert on hazardous waste management, stresses that proper hazardous waste handling, management, and disposal is critical, especially in light of rising enforcement, which is now $37,500 per day/per violation.

“Regulators have often stated that inadequate or no training has been at the root of non-compliance. With a slow economy and budget tightening, the reflex is to go towards shorter and inexpensive training options. However, with enforcement initiatives on the increase, shortchanging your training puts you at risk of costing you more in the long run. Adequate training is essential to EHS excellence.”

Tuition is $795 per person, with group discounts available. Registration includes course reference materials, networking luncheon, certificate of achievement, and one year of follow-up support. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is highly recommended. To register, call (888) 546-6511 or visit us online at www.Lion.com/Title22Training .

About Lion Technology:

Since 1977, more than 100,000 professionals have relied on Lion Technology to meet their regulatory compliance training needs. Lion offers comprehensive training and resources in the area of environmental, hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation, and workplace health and safety compliance. Training is offered through nationwide public workshops, live Web seminars, online courses, and on-site programs. Regulatory support services and consulting are provided to assist industry comply with Federal and State laws and regulations.

News Source: Lion Technology Inc. :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy, it is more pressing than ever to make the most of the clean energy potential off our shores,” said Governor Patrick. “By working together, Governor Carcieri and I will make our states the hub of our nation’s offshore wind industry, creating hundreds of jobs and enjoying the environmental benefits of renewable energy.”

“The shared waters between Rhode Island and Massachusetts hold the key to the future of offshore wind developments along the East Coast and the country. It is in the best interest for both states to work together to expedite the federal permitting process through this collaborative effort,” said Governor Carcieri. “We share mutual interests in developing offshore wind projects, bringing greater economic development activity and economic security to the region. Working together, we ensure Rhode Island and Massachusetts will continue to lead the nation in offshore wind.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both governors commits their states to coordinate and collaborate in potential development of offshore wind energy in a 400 square mile “area of mutual interest” beginning 12 miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard and extending 20 miles westward into Rhode Island Sound. (For map, see attachment)

Since August 2008, Rhode Island has been engaged in planning for offshore wind development in adjacent federal waters under a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), which is subject to approval by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The purpose of that process is to determine the best location for a commercial-scale wind energy installation backed by Rhode Island. Deepwater Wind has been designated as the Ocean State’s preferred developer, and has been proposed to construct a pilot installation in state waters near Block Island. Wind energy development in federal waters is under the authority of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE), formerly known as Minerals Management Service.

The SAMP process has identified an area of federal waters that is as close to Massachusetts’s mainland and islands as it is to Rhode Island’s, and adjacent to Massachusetts state waters identified in the Massachusetts Ocean Plan as suitable for offshore wind development. Should the SAMP determine that this “Area of Mutual Interest” (AMI) is favorable for utility-scale wind energy development, today’s MOU ensures that any such project be approved by the governors of both states and that economic benefits be shared by both states on a fair and equitable basis before it can seek necessary federal approvals.

The MOU states that Massachusetts and Rhode Island will collaborate on an economic development study that identifies the costs and benefits of offshore wind development in the AMI. The MOU also preserves the authority of each state to apply state and local permitting laws to development in the AMI as applicable.

To ensure the input of Massachusetts citizens on Rhode Island’s SAMP process, the agreement requires Rhode Island officials to conduct at least two public meetings – one on Martha’s Vineyard and one in a community adjacent to Buzzard’s Bay, as well as a briefing of the Massachusetts Task Force on Offshore Renewable Energy. In addition, written comments from all interested parties will be accepted by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council through September 24, 2010, at the address below. Public meeting dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The Southfield project is key to the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station and to job growth on the South Shore,” said Governor Patrick. “I am proud that your state government could help make this happen.”

“This kind of construction project will help put people back to work as we focus on Massachusetts’ economic recovery,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “We are excited about today’s groundbreaking and look forward to seeing this project support economic development, sustainability and growth for the region and the Commonwealth.”

“This will create thousands of new jobs and will help Weymouth attract new businesses and investments, and deliver top notch cultural attractions,” said Senator John Kerry.

“Today, as we break ground on the new Southfield East-West Parkway, it is my hope that in the next few years we will see this former military base become an economic engine in the South Shore,” said Congressman William Delahunt. “I want to thank the Governor for his leadership and help, and I want to give a special salute to the late Senator Kennedy, who led our efforts in Washington, D.C. to secure all the federal funding for the project.”

Today’s groundbreaking marked the beginning of Phase I of construction on the Southfield’s East-West Parkway, a significant infrastructure project which will support the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station by providing a connection through the base between Route 3 with Route 18. On June 30, 2010, the Patrick-Murray Administration issued $30 million in state bonds to make construction of the parkway possible. MassDOT has advertised the contract for the remaining $15 million portion of the parkway, and the selection of a contractor and notice to proceed is expected in October. Also to be included in the work completed in Phase I are multi-modal improvements to the South Weymouth commuter rail station located at the former Naval base. These will be paid for through $8 million in federal funding secured by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator John Kerry and Congressman Delahunt.

Governor Patrick today also announced the signing of two purchase and sale agreements between LNR Property Corporation homebuilders and Interactive Building Group and the Whitman Homes. South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation chose LNR as the master developer for the base in 2002. Since then, LNR estimates that it has invested $80 million in the site. The state bonds issued in June will help leverage another $13 million in bonds from South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation, which maintains that this recent investment from the Administration will assist their sales. These agreements represent the first vertical construction projects to take place at Southfield. Construction of the homes is expected to begin in fall 2010 and to be completed by the following spring.

“The groundbreaking for the start of the East-West Parkway is a culmination of an immense amount of hard work by many local, state and federal officials and will result in the magnet that ensures that Southfield becomes a reality,” said Kevin R. Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation. “It will truly be the economic engine that begins the revitalization of the economy for southeastern Massachusetts by placing many construction workers back to work.”

“This parkway is a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for the region and will unlock millions of dollars in residential and commercial development at Southfield that will produce jobs, public revenues and economic growth across the South Shore,” said Kevin Chase, Regional Vice President, LNR Property Corporation. “The continued commitments of Governor Patrick and his Administration, the South Shore’s elected leaders and local community leaders have been the key to realizing the full vision of Southfield as a vibrant, smart growth community with the potential to help reshape the regional economy.”

“Redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station has been one of the most important endeavors of my career,” said Representative Ronald Mariano, Assistant Majority Leader. “Securing the $30 million bond that allows construction of the East-West Parkway to begin marks an important milestone of this project that is so crucial to the future of the South Shore. Once this essential road is completed and access is allowed to the site, I am confident that construction and building will begin through private investment. I would like to thank Governor Patrick and the other federal, state and local leaders, along with the master developer LNR, for their continued commitment to this successful public-private partnership.”

On April 24, 2008, the Patrick-Murray Administration designated Southfield as the fifth community in its Growth District Initiative. The Initiative is aimed at working with communities who have identified one or more areas as being appropriate locations for significant new growth, whether commercial, residential or mixed-use. Within those identified areas, Governor Patrick’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development works with the community and property owners to make the district truly “development ready” with respect to local permitting, state permitting, site preparation (including Brownfields Remediation), infrastructure improvements and marketing. The objective is to create a level of “development readiness” within each of these growth districts comparable to that now available at Devens, a location proven to be highly attractive to new development and to be truly competitive at a national and international level.

Over the next 12 years, the base is slated to be redeveloped into a mixed use, transit- oriented village including owned and affordable rental homes, 2 million square feet of commercial development, a hotel, a conference center and outdoor amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, as well as walking and hiking trails. The full build out will cost an estimated $1.4 billion, generate millions in state and federal tax revenues and will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.