Category Archives: News

Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership Holds Ten Community Meetings

Posted on by

Between February and April 2023, the Shenandoah Rail Trail Rail Partnership conducted a series of ten community meetings to inform and engage the public about the Shenandoah Rail Trail. The proposed trail would convert an unused rail corridor between Broadway and Front Royal into a 48.5-mile multi-use trail running through nine towns, three counties, and near numerous schools, businesses and cultural resources. There is enthusiasm and momentum for the Shenandoah Rail Trail as the Partnership moves forward to the next phase of the project, which includes acquiring the rail corridor, continuing to talk with trail neighbors, and starting the preliminary trail design. The Partnership will hold its annual meeting in June, 2023 to share updates and maintain enthusiasm and momentum as the project moves into its next important phase.

Goshen Applies for CDBG Grant for Community Service Facility

Posted on by

On June 1st, the Town of Goshen applied for a Community Improvement Grant under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. If awarded, the grant would provide $1,250,000 to support the development of a multi-purpose community service facility in Goshen. The Town envisions that the facility will significantly improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof. The community center would address the community’s most pressing needs by providing health care, healthy food, senior services, and recreational opportunities to those who currently lack easy access to these basic amenities. Grant awards are expected to be announced in the Fall.

Shenandoah Valley Aviation Technology Park Hangars Near Completion

Posted on by

Construction of the first two corporate hangars in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport’s (SHD) Aviation Technology Park is nearly complete. Occupancy is expected in July. SHD was awarded funds through a USDA Rural Development loan and a $2 million Economic Development Administration matching grant to construct the two hangars and associated office space. Each hangar is 14,000 square feet. Related improvements included road and taxiway access, parking, and site work. The project is anticipated to generate 50-75 high-paying jobs.

SHD also was awarded funding through GO Virginia to further develop the Aviation Technology Park. To construct future hangars, sewer and water utilities need to be relocated from the middle of the 58-acre site to its perimeter. GO Virginia previously funded the design and engineering of the utility project and is now supporting its construction phase. The Aviation Technology Park is expected to be a regional employment hub with a concentration of aviation-related businesses. The CSPDC provided technical assistance with the grant applications and is providing grant administration services. The Airport Commission includes representatives from the counties of Augusta and Rockingham and the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg.

Bolster Joins CSPDC

Posted on by

Steve Bolster joins the CSPDC as their newest regional planner. He began serving with the CSPDC team on May 22nd. Steve previously served as the Rockbridge County Fiscal Services Director for over 10 years. He completed his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Touro University International. Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Management from Mount Olive College.

Steve is originally from Los Angeles, California. He and his family moved to Lexington in June 2006 where he served five years as an AFROTC Instructor at the Virginia Military Institute. Steve retired from the USAF in the fall of 2011. He currently lives in Rockbridge County with his wife Tammy and their two dogs Rosie and Bailey. Steve is looking forward to serving with our regional partners with a goal to make a positive impact in our communities.

SAWMPO Intersection Safety Study Nearing Completion

Posted on by

The SAWMPO is completing a safety analysis of six intersections in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro. The intersections are: Churchville Avenue/Thornrose Drive and Coalter Street/Statler Boulevard in Staunton; Laurel Hill Road/US 11 and Laurel Hill Road/I-81 Exit 227 northbound ramps in Augusta County; and Delphine Avenue/I-64 Exit 96 westbound ramps, and Delphine Avenue/Windsor Road in Waynesboro.

The recommendations highlight safety improvements at each intersection that localities and VDOT can use to apply for projects through grant funding programs. The final study will be available on SAWMPO.org in June.

CTB to Consider Six-Year Transportation Funding Program

Posted on by

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will consider approving the FY2024-2029 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) at the June Board meeting. The SYIP allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation projects, and the public can search projects and costs on VDOT’s SYIP website.

The SYIP is updated annually, and documents proposed projects for design, right-of-way, and construction over the next six years from programs like SMART SCALE.

 

MGCC Wilson Workforce Center Project in Buena Vista

Posted on by

CSPDC representatives are supporting Buena Vista (BV) efforts to secure a $1M DHCD Community Economic Development program grant to leverage other funding sources to renovate a former Courtesy Ford dealership building in BV’s designated Opportunity Zone. The approximately $5.3M+ project will transform the 18,750 square foot facility into the Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) Wilson Workforce Development Center. When finished, the center will train students for in-demand jobs such as: HVAC, building trades, electrical, plumbing, industrial technology, precision machining, welding, diesel mechanics, and CDLs. These employment fields are included in the State’s FastForward program, which provides tuition assistance to students training for in-demand jobs.

MGCC officials expect to grow their ability to deliver workforce training by 200% and see enrollment rise by at least 120%. In addition, the center is estimated to assist with creating or retaining 110 jobs and spawn $2M in private investment in the region. The initial phase of the renovation project is planned for later this calendar year with an estimate to begin classes for the Fall 2024 semester. Other funding  sources include: the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the MGCC Real Estate Foundation, and the City of Buena Vista.

PDC Housing Development Program Partner Spotlight: Foley Road Efficiencies

Posted on by

The PDC Housing Development Program, a $2 million pilot program through Virginia Housing that provides gap funds to affordable housing developers in need of additional capital, will soon reach its two-year milestone. To date, the seven developers who received an award through the program have accessed just over 50% of obligated funds, totaling more than $800,000 in grant funds utilized.

One of the seven partner projects, Foley Road Efficiencies, has made significant construction progress over the past several months. The Foley Road Efficiencies development will bring 11 efficiency rental units to the City of Harrisonburg, affordable to those at 60% AMI, in part using $350,000 in PDC Housing Development Program Funds. Framing is currently underway, and the developer recently installed electrical infrastructure with the capability to allow for Level 3 EV charging for all 11 units. The intentional use of local contractors and suppliers on this project is supporting local businesses and the community members they employ while generating tax revenue. The units will remain affordable at 60% AMI for at least 20 years, and the developer intentionally built units with a smaller footprint to encourage affordability by design over the lifespan of the building.

All units receiving funds through the PDC Housing Development Program must be complete by June 30, 2025.

BRITE Title VI Plan – Open for Public Comment

Posted on by

BRITE Bus Transit and the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) hereby releases for public comment the BRITE Title VI Plan. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures that no one shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance due to their race, color, or national origin.

The draft Title VI Plan can be reviewed online: Title VI Plan (DRAFT)

Digital or hard copies may be requested by calling the Title VI Coordinator at 540-885-5174. Copies for public review are available at the following locations:

  • Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona
  • Staunton City Manager’s Office, 116 W Beverley Street, Staunton
  • Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building, 503 W Main Street, Waynesboro
  • BRITE Transit Facility, 51 Ivy Ridge Lane, Fishersville

Written comments may be submitted to BRITE Bus, 112 MacTanly Place, Staunton, VA 24401 or via email to devon@cspdc.org by 5:00PM on June 20, 2023. An official public hearing will be provided if requested prior to the end of the comment period. To request a public hearing, contact BRITE Bus no later than seven working days prior to the meeting.

BRITE Bus Transit and the CSPDC ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this program or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact the Title VI Coordinator at 540-885-5174. Sign language or non-English language interpreters and accessible formats for the visually impaired will be provided if needed and requested from the CSPDC no later than seven working days prior to the meeting.

VAPDC Goes to Washington

Posted on by

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) hosted a luncheon briefing with representatives of Virginia’s Congressional offices in mid-March. This was done in conjunction with the 2023 National Association of Development Organization’s Washington Conference. Staff from Senator Kaine’s office and five of our Congressional offices attended. We engaged in good discussion about regional projects, federal funding opportunities and other topics. VAPDC was represented by a good cohort of Board members, PDC Commissioners, Executive Directors, and staff.  Bonnie Riedesel, CSPDC Executive Director attended the briefing and highlighted a number of the federally funded projects and programs in the CSPDC region.