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Sebelius to Welcome New Jobs

Kansas – Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will sign a bill to authorize economic development assistance for Cessna Aircraft. The Legislature passed the bill earlier this month, giving Cessna a bond package of up to $33 million to build a plant in Wichita for its new Citation Columbus business jet. Cessna is expected to add about 1,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $74 million.
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ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS

CO – Editorial: Ritter Investing in the Planet’s Future. As America observes the 39th annual Earth Day, skyrocketing fossil fuel prices have reinforced concerns about global climate change. Fortunately, Colorado is one of the leaders in adapting to the “new energy economy.” Gov. Bill Ritter’s climate action plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. That foresight has already translated into new jobs. Ritter, Sen. Ken Salazar and a host of new energy pioneers gathered at the Capitol to celebrate opening a new Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion by the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory. As Ritter said in hailing the new advanced solar research center, which is initially supported by a dozen private-sector companies, “Colorado is blessed with incredible energy resources, both traditional and renewable. But what makes us a leader are Colorado’s outstanding intellectual resources.”
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MD – O’Malley Breaks Ground on Environmental Education Center. Gov. Martin O’Malley, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and children from Maree Farring Elementary School broke ground on an environmental education center that will help anchor a $153 million waterfront restoration project near Baltimore’s Brooklyn and Curtis Bay communities. “This project is a wonderful example of how government and local communities can work together to produce something positive,” O’Malley said. “For years, this was an area that was unclean, unkempt and unsafe. Very soon, it will be a place to learn about the environment, to spot wildlife, and enjoy outdoor recreation using some of our state’s beautiful natural resources.”
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MI – Granholm: Wind Farms May Boost State’s Economy. The Harvest Wind Farm turbines kick out 52.8 megawatts of power on 1,300 acres where corn and sugar beets grow; it’s enough to furnish electricity for 15,000 homes. The $100 million investment was made by John Deere Wind Energy and the power is being purchased by Wolverine Power, a nonprofit electricity cooperative based in Cadillac. “I see this as adding another sector in the Michigan economy,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. Wind power is a key part of Granholm’s energy and economic development strategy. She has called for 10 percent of the state’s electricity to be generated by renewable sources such as wind, biomass fuels and solar energy by 2015.
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WV – Manchin Approves Weatherization Grants. Gov. Joe Manchin has approved more than $5 million in 2008 Weatherization Assistance Program grants to 13 community organizations across West Virginia. The Weatherization Assistance Program employs technicians to install energy efficiency and conservation measures in the homes of low-income residents. Funds from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy will be used to weatherize 1,161 homes, assisting an estimated 2,604 state residents.
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GENERAL NEWS

NC – Easley Encourages Tourism on Trip to Italy. Gov. Mike Easley told Italian travel and tourism officials that current exchange rates, combined with North Carolina’s diverse vacation destinations, make this the best time for international travelers to vacation in the state. “Thousands of Europeans visit North Carolina each year,” said Easley. “By reaching out personally to the travel and business community in Italy, we are confident we can attract even more overseas visitors, as well as business investment. With the strength of the Euro, we believe the time is right to expand our state’s efforts to new and emerging markets.”
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WI – Doyle to Talk Policy, Business on U.K. Trip. Gov. Jim Doyle will exchange business and policy plans with British and Irish officials when he hops the Atlantic for a weeklong trip. Reducing greenhouse emissions and issues in stem cell research, especially plans for the upcoming World Stem Cell Summit in Madison next fall, will take center stage in the governor’s talks, along with strengthening business ties to the region. “This trip is an opportunity to strengthen important relationships with business and government officials and promote Wisconsin as a world leader in so many areas, from groundbreaking stem cell research to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Doyle said.
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