Spare Pumps
Blogger Danilo posts on Loudoun Stats about a lesser known problem resulting from the weekend's flooding: sump pumps that work overtime due to the heavy rains are more likely to burn out. Danilo is reporting that many places don't have any pumps left, but remarks that it's a lesson learned. "If you don't have a spare sump pump handy, you may want to consider buying one..." he writes. "Even if you're a renter, you may want to contact your landlord and ask that they pay for a spare one ... It's cheaper for the owner to spend a few bucks now than to pay for more costly repairs should the current sump pump stop working and the basement floods."

Transportation Budget Announced
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine announced Monday that his new transportation plan would provide $1 billion annually for the state's infrastructure needs, reports the Washington Business Journal. The plan would mean an increase in the retail sales tax from 5 percent to 6 percent in several counties, including Loudoun. The tax does not include sales of food or drugs. A special session on the proposal will be held June 23.

Victory for Conservation Forces in Loudoun
On Leesburg Tomorrow, blogger Paradox13VA comments on a story from Sunday's Loudoun Extra detailing an agreement that will preserve an historic 371-acre farm on the Potomac River near Lucketts. "This is a great win for future generations of Loudoun's citizens, and the efforts to preserve and embrace Loudoun's unique character and history," writes Paradox13VA. "Hopefully, the news of this grant will spur other farms and landowners in Loudoun, especially those with land on critical watersheds, to take similar steps."