Monthly Archives: January 2026

CSPDC Holds Inaugural State of Transit Event

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) hosted a “State of Transit” event to celebrate public transportation and highlight the accomplishments of the BRITE Bus system over the past year. The event brought together regional partners, stakeholders, and community members for an afternoon focused on reflecting on progress, discussing what lies ahead for transit in the region, and premiering BRITE’s “Value of Transit” video.

Attendees heard from voices in the transit community as CSPDC staff outlined recent service improvements, expanded partnerships, and efforts to improve accessibility across the BRITE network. The program emphasized how public transit continues to support access to jobs, services, and daily destinations throughout the region, while also sharing updates on the BRITE system and exploring what lies ahead.

The event concluded with the premiere of BRITE’s new “Value of Transit” video, which showcased the essential role public transportation plays in supporting regional mobility and quality of life. The video highlighted the many ways BRITE connects communities and reinforces the importance of continued investment in transit as a vital regional resource. You can view the video below.

Business Innovation & Funding Forum Connects Local Entrepreneurs with Resources

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On January 15, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) participated in the Business Innovation & Funding Forum, a collaborative event co-sponsored by the Rockbridge Shenandoah AFCEA Chapter and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The evening forum, held at the Rockbridge Innovation Center, brought together local businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to explore critical funding opportunities and innovation resources available in our region.

CSPDC Director of Planning Jeremy Crute joined an expert panel alongside Chuck Kirby of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Lee Harris from the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society (VMPS), and Ryan Hall of the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF). The panel discussion focused on equipping local innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully pursue federal and state funding for business development, workforce initiatives, and innovation projects.

The forum addressed key topics including grant opportunities, funding resources for business initiatives, and workforce development programs. Panelists shared practical insights on navigating the application process and positioning projects for competitive success in securing public and private funding.

The strong turnout reflected the growing interest among local businesses and organizations in accessing funding opportunities to fuel growth, innovation, and workforce development in our region.

Paula Melester Appointed to Statewide Transit Board

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Director of Transportation Paula Melester was appointed to the Virginia Transit Service Delivery Advisory Committee (TSDAC) by the director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. TSDAC members represent transit agencies of all sizes from across the Commonwealth, as well as a liaison to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Authorized in the Code of Virginia, the TSDAC advises DRPT in the development of a distribution process for transit capital and operating funds. Ms. Melester’s appointment to the Committee is emblematic of her engagement with matters of transit funding policy and thorough understanding of the needs of smaller, rural systems like CSPDC’s BRITE Transit. “I’m honored to serve on TSDAC and contribute to Virginia’s transit funding policy development,” said Melester. “Because CSPDC operates transit differently than most agencies in the state, we’re always closely tracking how policy and formula changes affect us. Running BRITE Transit with a small but highly capable team means we handle everything from FTA compliance to day-to-day operations, which gives me a ground-level understanding of how funding decisions translate into actual service delivery for our community.”

VA Route 259 (Mayland Road) Corridor Improvement Study Completed

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VDOT, in partnership with the towns of Broadway and Timberville, Rockingham County, and the CSPDC, completed a corridor improvement study a four-mile segment of VA 259 (Mayland Road) from Broadway to the I-81 Exit 257 in January.

The study analyzed crash data, traffic operations, and roadway conditions to identify safety concerns along the corridor. VDOT conducted a road safety audit and gathered public input to develop recommendations for targeted safety improvements. An online survey conducted in September 2025 received 322 responses with general support for the proposed improvements.

The study recommends safety improvements at three locations including enhanced signage and warning systems, roadway shoulder widening with guardrail, and a new left turn lane at the Mauzy Park and Ride entrance. VDOT will implement low-cost improvements using district maintenance funds and pursue larger projects through SMART SCALE or Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding.

VDOT will provide a summary of the study recommendations at the CSPDC Rural Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (RTTAC) meeting on March 20, 2026.

 

CSPDC and DEQ Host Brownfields and Voluntary Remediation Workshop

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The CSPDC and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) brought together local government staff and developers on December 16, 2025 for a hands-on workshop on brownfields redevelopment, learning about how to transform underutilized properties into community assets.

DEQ’s Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) and Brownfields team facilitated an interactive session covering environmental assessment, remediation strategies, and reuse planning from individual sites to community-wide initiatives. The team shared real-world success stories and addressed common challenges that communities face when redeveloping contaminated properties.

Attendees learned how to identify brownfield sites, access DEQ technical assistance through VRP, and apply for state and federal funding opportunities including the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund.

DEQ is hosting the statewide Virginia Brownfields Conference in Staunton from June 8-10, 2026. CSPDC staff are ready to support localities with brownfields project development. Contact us to learn how we can help advance property reuse projects in your community.

CSPDC Submitting Transit & Commuter Assistance Program Grant Applications

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is pursuing nearly $2.8 million in state funding to support and enhance regional transit services and transportation options.

Nine grant applications will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation by the February 1 deadline. The requested funding would support critical transit operations, capital improvements including ADA improvements for an existing bus stop and facility equipment, route transit planning and marketing projects, and the CSPDC region’s commuter assistance program – Rideshare.

These grants represent essential funding for maintaining and improving public transportation throughout the CSPDC region. The investments would benefit both urban and rural transit services, ensuring residents across the region have access to reliable transportation options.

DRPT will review applications and release funding recommendations with the draft Six-Year Improvement Program in spring 2026.