May is not just another month on the calendar; it’s Bike Month – a time to celebrate the joys and benefits of cycling! As we dust off our bicycles and hit the roads and trails, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainable transportation and the positive impact it has on our communities. CSPDC and RideShare join the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) in promoting biking as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Bike Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of cycling. Beyond its environmental advantages, biking offers a host of personal benefits, including improved physical health, reduced stress levels, and cost savings on transportation. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, cycling enriches our lives in countless ways. During May, riders are encouraged to log their bike-to-work trips for a chance to earn rewards and win prizes. DRPT is giving away an e-bike and helmet to one lucky winner! Each trip logged in the ConnectingVA app increases your chances of winning.

Together with our state and regional partners, we recognize biking as an integral part of Virginia’s transportation system. Both the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro (SAWMPO) and Harrisonburg-Rockingham (HRMPO) Metropolitan Planning Organizations actively promote the development of bike-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs.

As we celebrate Bike Month this May, let’s reaffirm our commitment to sustainable transportation and embrace the power of the pedal. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to hop on your bike and explore all that Virginia has to offer. Together, we can pedal towards a greener, healthier, and more vibrant future for our communities!

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission has selected Paula Melester to be the next Director of Transportation. Paula has been at the PDC for two-and-a-half years working with the transportation and transit team first as a Regional Planner and most recently as a Senior Planner. In her previous role, Paula served as the coordinator of the Rideshare Commuter Assistance program, worked with the BRITE Transit System, and managed the Afton Express Commuter Bus Service.

The Director of Transportation serves as the administrator for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham and Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organizations, coordinates rural transportation planning efforts, manages the CSPDC’s On-Call Consultant Program, and oversees the BRITE Bus Transit System. Paula will take over leadership of these programs from Ann Cundy, who was recently selected as the CSPDC’s Executive Director. “Ann has set the bar high for leading this team and managing these programs, so I have big shoes to fill. But I am inheriting an excellent team of planners and will strive to continue to deliver the same level of service our partners have come to expect from our transportation team” Paula says.

Paula holds a Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Organizational Communication and Human Resource Management, and a Master’s Degree (M.P.A) in Public Administration, both from James Madison University. Paula is excited to continue her work with our regional, state, and federal transit and transportation partners, and she looks forward to forging new relationships with our member jurisdictions to promote safe, equitable, and accessible transportation solutions throughout the region.

GO Virginia’s Region 8 Council convened for their regular session at the Aviation Technology Park’s newest hangar located within Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. The Council met in one of two recently constructed 14,000 square foot corporate aircraft hangars, funded with support from USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

At the meeting, the Region 8 Council approved funding for the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board’s Talent Pathways Initiative Project Proposal. This initiative focuses on analyzing the region’s manufacturing, transportation, and logistics industries, with the aim of identifying labor demands and opportunities for training and workforce development. The council also approved a planning grant for a workforce study for the Winchester Regional Airport. Both applications will be considered by the State GO Virginia Board at their next meeting.

Additionally, the Council announced significant changes to the administration of GO Virginia grants. Going forward, applicants for grants must now only provide a 2:1 match, a shift from the previous requirement of a 1:1 match. Moreover, the maximum award for planning grants has increased from the $250,000 cap to 25% of the total project cost. Lastly, recognizing that a shortage of healthcare services was impeding regional growth, previously ineligible healthcare projects are now eligible for GO Virginia funding if they address demonstrated needs for healthcare workers and services.

The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) is completing a transportation site assessment at the Afton Mountain property located at the crossroads of I-64 and Rt. 250. The assessment is part of a larger, comprehensive site study being conducted by Augusta County.

The transportation assessment is reviewing existing transportation conditions, and also several future development scenarios at the site that could impact future traffic patterns along US 250. Depending on the extent of future development, study is recommending a roundabout at the intersection of US 250 and Howardsville Turnpike. The final draft of the report will be available on sawmpo.org later in May.

The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) is hosting their Annual Conference and Bus Expo on May 22-23, 2024 at the Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center Harrisonburg, Virginia. Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the state converge at the annual conference to explore the future of transit. From cutting-edge technology to sustainable solutions, this event promotes insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to advance public transportation across the Commonwealth. Additionally, at the end of the conference there will be a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of Virginia Transit Leadership Institute (VTLI).

The conference is sold out, but if you would like to be added to a waitlist should there be a cancellation, please contact VTA at 804-643-1166.

Rita Whitfield, Office Manager of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, retired after more than 46 years and was recognized for her outstanding and meritorious service at the Commission meeting on April 15, 2024.

Rita began her career with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission on February 16, 1978, as Secretary I in the office Secretarial Pool, advancing to the position of Administrative Assistant; and then to the position of Office Manager that she held for 15 years.

Over her career, Rita worked for six Executive Directors and more than 150 Commissioners.  She supported dozens of planners and staff by providing high quality administrative and management support.

On behalf of Commission and the region, we extend our sincere and grateful appreciation for her dedicated service to the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and congratulate her on her well-earned retirement, and extend our best wishes for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come.