Monthly Archives: December 2025

CSPDC Awarded Grant to Fund the Town of Elkton Elk Run Stream Restoration Project

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The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded the CSPDC a $535,193 grant to fund the engineering and construction of the Town of Elkton Elk Run Stream Restoration Project. The project will improve a 420-foot segment of Elk Run Creek in downtown Elkton and address significant erosion issues along the bank, improve water quality, and enhance town recreation space.

The stream segment is situated between S. Stuart Avenue (US 340), W. Spotswood Trail (US 33 Business), and W. Rockingham Street. The project compliments an existing pocket park adjacent to the stream. The improvements include reshaping the bank, controlling stream grade to establish pools and ripples to support habitat diversity, establishing native trees and vegetation to reduce erosion, and establishing natural path connections for public recreational access to the streambank.

The project will likely begin in late spring 2026. The CSPDC developed the grant application through our Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Program, which is funded by DEQ and supports stormwater planning and project implementation in the region.

 

 

 

Paula Melester Presents at Governor’s Transportation Conference

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Left to Right: Gary Larrowe, Monica Backmon, Paula Melester, Angel Deem, Secretary Shep Miller

Paula Melester, Director of Transportation for the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission represented the CSPDC at the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Transportation Conference in Richmond. The conference, held October 16-17 under the theme “Looking Back Looking Forward,” brought together transportation leaders from across the Commonwealth to discuss the future of Virginia’s transportation system.

During the “Local Perspectives on Transportation” panel session, Paula joined Ms. Monica Backmon, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and Mr. Gary Larrowe, County Administrator for Botetourt County, to share insights on transportation planning, funding, and project prioritization from diverse jurisdictional perspectives. Moderated by Angel Deem, Chief of Policy for the Virginia Department of Transportation, the discussion highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in project planning and delivery. Panelists explored strategies that local and regional communities employ to prioritize projects when resources are limited and shared examples of successful initiatives in their regions, emphasizing the factors that contributed to those achievements. The session underscored the value of bringing together rural, regional, and metropolitan viewpoints to address Virginia’s transportation challenges.

CSPDC Hosts Regional Urban Karst and Stormwater Workshop

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The CSPDC hosted an Urban Karst and Stormwater Workshop on October 28th in Waynesboro City Council Chambers, bringing together approximately 35 stormwater management and public works professionals from across the region. The full-day event explored challenges and best practices for planning and implementing stormwater projects on karst, a geological feature that can complicate conventional approaches.

A primary focus was Appendix E of the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, released by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) earlier this year. Appendix E provides site assessment and design guidelines for stormwater management in karst terrain, helping practitioners navigate the technical complexities these geological conditions present.

The workshop featured four expert speakers with extensive karst and stormwater experience. Wil Orndorff, Karst Protection Coordinator for the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, co-authored the draft of Appendix E and provided insights into karst geology throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Lisa Perry, a Mitigation Specialist at Ecosystem Services with prior experience administering erosion control and stormwater management for Rockingham County, shared perspectives on regulatory compliance in karst areas. Sheila Reeves, Water Resources Service Director at VHB, drew on her expertise in stormwater management, watershed planning, and floodplain compliance to discuss project planning strategies for karst sites. Aislinn Creel, Senior Stormwater Project Manager at Timmons Group, joined Reeves to present a case study on Mulberry Run Wetlands, an award-winning constructed wetland in Waynesboro that successfully addressed stormwater management challenges in a karst environment.

The workshop concluded with a site visit to Mulberry Run Wetlands, allowing participants to see firsthand how innovative design can overcome karst-related obstacles while achieving effective stormwater management and ecological benefits.

2025 Central Shenandoah Bike Walk Summit

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On Friday, November 14, the CSPDC, Shenandoah Valley Bike Coalition, and Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley hosted the 2025 Central Shenandoah Bike Walk Summit at The Liberty St. Loft in Harrisonburg. For the first time, this event brought together stakeholders from the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro and Harrisonburg-Rockingham regions to discuss the potential of non-motorized transportation improvements to boost the Valley’s quality of life and how to unify active transportation efforts regionwide.

The day kicked off with a keynote address by Melicent R. Miller, DrPH, MSPH, a Chronic Disease and Obesity Prevention Consultant with the Virginia Department of Health and President of Health Forward LLC. Dr. Miller drew on her fifteen years of experience at the intersection between public health and the built environment to make the case that investing in safe places to walk, roll, and bike is an effective public health strategy, particularly when local governments, health systems, and community partners work together. Subsequently, JMU’s Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue facilitated breakout sessions exploring experiences and opportunities for building trust and momentum for safer biking, walking, and moving in communities.

Following the keynote and facilitated breakouts, the afternoon focused on local progress and on-the-ground implementation. The Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership shared updates on the trail’s progress from Front Royal to Broadway while the City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation staff discussed the Rockfish Gap Gateway Trail and other local greenway developments. To conclude the formal session, the City of Harrisonburg and the Harrisonburg Community Connectors Team gave attendees an overview of the recent demonstration project to reimagine North Mason Street as a complete two-lane street with shorter pedestrian crossings, temporary roundabouts, and activated public space. Afterwards, Harrisonburg Councilmember Monica Robinson gave a walking tour of the historic Northeast Neighborhood and North Mason Street Corridor, sharing history on the corridor’s pre-urban renewal character and results from the demonstration project.

For additional details on the Summit, please visit the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition website.

A New Chapter for Buena Vista: Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Virginia Innovation Accelerator

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The City of Buena Vista officially welcomed a powerful new engine for economic growth on December 3rd, marking the culmination of years of collaborative effort. The Virginia Innovation Accelerator (VIA), housed in a revitalized former cigarette paper printing factory, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by The Advancement Foundation (TAF).

Since 2022, staff from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) have worked closely with TAF to adapt and reuse this historic industrial building. The result is an inspired business hub poised to become a central force for agriculture value-added product development, small-scale manufacturing, and community revitalization.

The atmosphere at the event was lively, filled with the many individuals and organizations who helped bring the project to life. It was a powerful demonstration of how community partners, coming together, can turn visions into tangible realities. Mayor Tyson Coper of Buena Vista echoed this sentiment.

A key speaker at the event was Senator Chris Head, who highlighted the crucial importance of business hubs in fostering regional prosperity and shared successful examples he has witnessed.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees gathered in the event space for a panel of entrepreneurs already utilizing the VIA. Testimonials showcased the hub’s diverse potential—from representatives of an agriculture tech company and a hobby mushroom grower who successfully transitioned to a mushroom farmer, to a talented baker. The collective energy of innovation and aspiration was evident.

The future looks bright and truly innovative for Buena Vista and the surrounding region, thanks to the VIA. The Virginia Innovation Accelerator is more than just a building; it is a collaborative platform designed to launch new businesses, support local food systems, and revitalize the community fabric.

Exciting news was shared during the celebration: Phase 3 of the project will include the development of 16 loft apartments, integrating residential living directly into this dynamic center of innovation.

We encourage everyone to visit the new location and witness this inspiring, innovative work firsthand!

Afton Express Begins Enhanced Commuter Schedule

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The Afton Express introduced a revised weekday schedule on December 1 to better support regional workers traveling between the Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville. The updated schedule is designed to align with major employer shift times, provide additional service during peak periods, and offer more consistency across trips throughout the morning and evening.

These changes follow ongoing analysis of ridership trends and feedback from commuters since the service launched in 2021. The improved schedule aims to enhance flexibility and coverage for employees across the corridor while supporting continued growth in commuter transit use along I-64.

As the Afton Express continues to see strong ridership, growing 25% since last year, the new schedule is expected to further strengthen access to employment opportunities and improve regional connectivity. Updated schedule information is available on the BRITE Bus website.

Regional Leaders Gather to Share Legislative Priorities Ahead of 2026 General Assembly Session

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Left to Right: Delegate Terry Austin, Jeremy Holmes, Ann Cundy, and Senator Chris Head

On Monday, December 1st, local government administrators from Bath and Rockbridge Counties and the Roanoke Valley gathered at the historic Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge for a legislative lunch hosted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.

Delegate Terry Austin and Senator Chris Head joined the roundtable discussion, listening as local leaders shared their perspectives on issues affecting their jurisdictions. The format allowed for candid conversation and meaningful dialogue between local governments and those who craft legislation in Richmond.

Attendees discussed a variety of municipal challenges, and common themes included housing, adequate funding for fire and rescue personnel and equipment, and maintaining local autonomy in land use decisions.

As the 2026 General Assembly Session approaches, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission remains committed to facilitating these important regional dialogues and strengthening the connection between our member jurisdictions and their state representatives.

CSPDC Begins Regional Flood and Stormwater Resilience Plan

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The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) awarded the CSPDC a $270,000 grant through the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF) program to fund a Regional Flood and Stormwater Resilience Plan. The Plan includes 18 of the 21 localities in the CSPDC region and will allow localities to identify flooding/stormwater needs, identify priority projects such as conventional stormwater and green infrastructure improvements, and make localities eligible for DCR CFPF construction funding, which requires a locality to have an existing Resilience Plan.

The CSPDC is working with the Berkley Group to develop the plan, and the CSPDC held a plan kick-off meeting on October 24 to provide an overview of the plan and next steps. The plan process includes a public outreach phase and individual, in-person meetings with staff from each locality to identify flood and stormwater issues and projects.

The CSPDC is providing funding for the 10% grant match through the CSPDC Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Program, and no match is required from localities. The plan will be complete in fall 2026.

 

CSPDC Staff Attend Statewide Training Conference

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Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission staff participated in the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) Training Conference on November 12-13 at the Virginia Housing Center in Glen Allen. The two-day conference brought together planning district commission professionals from across Virginia for professional development and peer networking.

CSPDC’s Director of Transportation Paula Melester served as a panelist for the closing session “Building a Better Budget,” joining David Blount, Executive Director of VAPDC and Deputy Director of Thomas Jefferson PDC, and Chip Boyles, Executive Director of George Washington Regional Commission. The panel shared practical approaches to budget development and management for regional planning organizations.

The conference covered timely topics relevant to CSPDC’s work across the region. Sessions included strategies for community engagement and stakeholder mobilization, presented by communications experts Stephanie Heinatz of Consociate Media and Susan Gaston of The Gaston Group. Jason Graham, Fredericksburg City Council member and CEO of Surava, led a practical discussion on artificial intelligence applications for local government operations.

The second day featured an in-depth session on Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, with presentations from Maria Everett, former Executive Director of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, Stephen Clough, FOIA Officer for the Town of Warrenton, and attorney Max Hlavin from Sands Anderson. This session provided valuable guidance on transparency and public records management—critical responsibilities for regional planning agencies.

The conference provided CSPDC staff opportunities to learn from subject matter experts, exchange ideas with colleagues from other planning district commissions, and stay current on best practices in regional planning and administration. These professional development opportunities strengthen CSPDC’s capacity to serve its 21 member jurisdictions across the Central Shenandoah Valley.