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.