The Capitol Corner

Written by: Julie Shaffer Director, Legislative Affairs Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

The Capitol Corner is a monthly column that informs members about changes in legislation and how you can elevate your voice to be heard by legislators.

The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is a Pro-Business organization. We represent the shared values of our members as it pertains to elevating commerce in the Top of Virginia region. This corner is not intended to endorse any particular political party or candidate.

Infrastructure Grants Available In July, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law. It will deliver $550 billion of new federal investments in America’s infrastructure over five years, touching everything from bridges and roads to the nation’s broadband, water, and energy systems.

While most of the infrastructure funding will be delivered to states and localities based on formula funding, the bill also approves dozens of competitive grant programs for important infrastructure projects to receive additional assistance.

Senator Mark Warner compiled a page with resources and grant opportunities, which cover a wide range of energy, transportation, and broadband initiatives plus pollution prevention, cybersecurity, manufacturing, safety, and more. If your business falls into any of these categories, visit Infrastructure Law Resources for Virginia (warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/infrastructurelawresourcesforvirginia) for more information. The link includes a detailed due date calendar and comprehensive grant information so that you can see all the options available to you.

Public Comment for Proposed Revocation of COVID-19 Workplace Mitigation On Wednesday, February 16, the state Safety and Health Codes Board began the process of rescinding its permanent standard to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. By a majority vote, the board signaled its intention to lift these regulations on businesses after a 30-day public comment period.

The Department would like to invite the public to register its comments on the proposed revocation of the Virginia Standard as adopted by the Board by using the comment forum. (townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewNotice.cfm?gnid=2373) The forum will be open for thirty (30) days, from February 17, 2022 to March 19, 2022. TAKE ACTION AT REGIONALCHAMBER.BIZ