Category Archives: News

Waynesboro Celebrates South River Preserve with Public Dedication

Posted on by

Image of attendees walking alongside the south river at the dedication event

Waynesboro city representatives and residents gathered on August 21st to celebrate the transformation of the South River Preserve. The public dedication marked the culmination of years of collaborative environmental restoration work.

The project reclaimed portions of Constitution Park, the South River, and former DuPont properties that sat largely unused for more than a decade. What was once a seven-acre asphalt parking lot and degrading picnic area is now a flourishing meadow that welcomes both wildlife and community members.

The South River Preserve exemplifies the remarkable community benefits possible when federal, state, and local partners unite around a shared vision. City Councilman Terry Short praised the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition, with key speakers at the dedication including Anne Condon from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Parks and Recreation leaders C. Dwayne Jones and Stephanie Seltzer, Dr. Joe Keiper of the Virginia Natural History Museum, and Lisa Carter from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

The project also brought together a team coalition of design and engineering partners, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Anhold Associates, Timmons Group, and Summit Environmental Services, LLC.

The restoration was funded primarily through a settlement with DuPont that addressed historic mercury releases into the South River, known as the DuPont-Waynesboro Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) Fund. Additional monetary support came from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, and Virginia Department of Forestry.

Construction began in late 2023, and the preserve now features:

  • Expansive meadow and forest habitat that supports local ecosystems
  • Fish habitat structures to enhance aquatic life in the South River
  • ADA-compliant river access
  • a Theater for outdoor programming and events
  • Restored streambanks along Rockfish Run
  • Educational interpretive signs developed in partnership with the Virginia Natural History Museum and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, the dedication ceremony concluded with a community seed scatter—a fitting symbol for a project designed to help both native plants and community connections take root and flourish.

Rockbridge Area Pursues Airport Feasibility Study

Posted on by

Image of small airplane

The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) has long identified a service gap in Rockbridge County—meaning it’s a 45-minute drive in any direction to a general aviation or commercial airport. Recognizing this gap and the economic development opportunities that a general aviation airport can create, a group of local elected officials, Economic Development Authority members and staff from Rockbridge County and the Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington approached DOAV and the CSPDC to undertake a feasibility study for a general aviation airport in the County.

The Virginia Aviation Board approved a scope of work and funding for the Feasibility Study on August 15th, and we will soon be underway with Delta Airport Consultants, LLC to evaluate aviation demand for the region, conduct a comprehensive market analysis, and develop a recommended general facility design and governance structure. Additionally, the study will provide order of magnitude cost estimates and operational budget projections based on demand forecasts. Once underway, the study is anticipated to take nine months to complete.

Augusta Health Awarded Outstanding Business Partner at CTAV Conference

Posted on by

 

Image of CSPDC and Augusta Health Staff holding an award plaque

The Community Transportation Association of Virginia (CTAV) honored Augusta Health with its Outstanding Business Partner Award at the Annual Conference and Expo, recognizing the hospital’s partnership, engagement, and commitment to public transportation in the region. Augusta Health Community Outreach Manager Abby Calvert, pictured above with CSPDC staff, attended to accept the award. CTAV’s Outstanding Business Partner Award recognizes exceptional support for community transportation throughout Virginia.

As a dedicated funding and community partner for BRITE Bus, Augusta Health exemplifies how healthcare organizations can support mobility for all. Through partnering to provide fare-free rides to all Augusta Health facilities, purchasing farecards in bulk for community distribution, and advocating for accessibility through the BRITE Transit Advisory Committee, Augusta Health’s partnership removes transportation barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services throughout the region.  Their multifaceted commitment to healthcare access demonstrates how strengthened regional transportation networks can advance community health was applauded and recognized through this award.

Lexington Cuts Ribbon on North Main Street

Posted on by

Image of a group of people standing across a road while the Secretary of Transportation cuts a ceremonial ribbon

The City of Lexington celebrated the completion of a transformative streetscape project on August 27th with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, the Secretary of Transportation and the entire 7th grade class from nearby Lylburn Downing Middle School were the honored guests who cut the ribbon across the North Main Street streetscape project. CSPDC worked with City of Lexington and VMI in 2016 to submit a SMART SCALE application for the $4.1 million six-block project, which stretches along U.S. 11 Business from Massie Street to Hook Lane. The street reconfiguration widened the east-side sidewalk by five feet to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and replaced on-street parking with a dedicated four-foot bike lane on the west side. The work also included replacing underground utilities and improving connections to the Chessie Trail and Washington and Lee University.

Recent Flood Mitigation Initiatives in the Region

Posted on by

Image of a flooded road

July proved to be a busy month for regional flood preparedness efforts, with $652,160 awarded in state funding to regional partners and multiple applications submitted for post-disaster federal funding.

On July 2nd, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced Round 5 awards for the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF), with three coming to our region:

  • CSPDC received $270,000 to develop a Regional Flood Resilience Plan, with nearly all of our localities participating. This plan will identify and prioritize flood mitigation projects for implementation, ultimately streamlining future grant applications and unlocking additional funding opportunities.
  • City of Waynesboro received $172,160 to update its Stormwater Capital Improvement Plan, building on previous drainage studies to identify and prioritize site-specific stormwater management projects. The plan will also support the city’s Chesapeake Bay water quality requirements.
  • Town of Craigsville received $210,000 to develop a local resilience plan. Through this planning process, the town will gain a more detailed and technical study of flood occurrences and a list of future projects to reduce the impact of flooding.

Several localities in the region have also submitted applications for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) following Hurricane Helene, including:

  • Bath and Highland Counties applied for funds to install a joint enhanced flood monitoring system with 14 real-time stream gauges connecting to West Virginia’s flood warning network, benefiting both local communities and neighboring areas.
  • City of Harrisonburg proposed major upgrades to stormwater infrastructure along the Chicago Avenue and Waterman Drive corridor to address chronic flooding, building damage, and safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

Note: Round 6 of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund is expected to open this fall.

CSPDC Hosts MPO Roundtable in Fishersville

Posted on by

Image of a map of Virginia with each MPO region outlined

Transportation planning professionals from across Virginia gathered at the BRITE Transit Facility in Fishersville on August 27th for a collaborative roundtable discussion hosted by CSPDC’s transportation team. The three-hour event brought together staff from eight different Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to tackle shared challenges and exchange valuable insights.

The afternoon began with a networking lunch that allowed participants to connect informally before diving into substantive discussions. The facilitated roundtable centered on meeting local transportation needs, along with persistent funding gaps that challenge project implementation across regions. The second discussion topic focused on examining the unique challenges faced by localities along the I-81 corridor where congestion and incidents on the interstate often force through traffic onto the local roadway networks. Participants shared experiences and strategies for advancing projects in these high-impact areas.

The event concluded with an open discussion where staff highlighted current projects, sought advice from peers, and exchanged ideas related to ongoing studies. This collaborative exchange was especially meaningful for the many participants who are new to their agencies or positions.

Future roundtables could explore different topics and rotate to various locations throughout the State, ensuring broader accessibility while maintaining the valuable in-person networking component that made this inaugural event so successful.

Senator Emmett Hanger Recognized for Outstanding Legislative Service

Posted on by

Pictured from left to right; Frank Friedman, CSPDC Chairman, Senator Emmett Hanger, David Blount, VAPDC Executive Director

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) recently celebrated the far-reaching legislative impact of former Senator Emmett Hanger with the Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award at the August 18th Board of Commissioners meeting. David Blount, VAPDC Executive Director and longtime colleague of Senator Hanger presented the award, noting  “VAPDC is excited to present this Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award to Senator Hanger. Having worked with Senator Hanger during his time in the Senate, I saw firsthand his passion and leadership on so many issues important to localities and regions.”

In 2018, Hanger was recognized as the nation’s 10th most productive state legislator by FiscalNote. Hanger earned the distinction with his cumulative legislative record since his election to the Senate in 1995 — not including eight years he served in the House of Delegates.

Our region is grateful for Senator Hanger’s many years of service in the General Assembly and we were honored to host him at his “home” PDC for the award presentation.

 

 

National Park Service Partners with Goshen to Transform Unused Land into Community Park

Posted on by

For over two decades, residents of the Town of Goshen have watched 42 acres of donated land sit empty, waiting for its promised purpose. Now, that wait is finally over.

In 2025, the NPS selected Goshen to receive technical assistance to support the planning and development of a new community park. The proposed park site is Town-owned, features scenic views of the surrounding Alleghany Mountains, and has direct access to the Calfpasture River.

The proposed new park offers benefits not only to Goshen residents, but also to neighboring communities. Mayor Thomas McCraw says that many Town and surrounding Rockbridge County residents must travel between 8 and 20 miles to reach the nearest community park. The new park would provide convenient, local access to outdoor recreation opportunities for seniors, families, and individuals in the area.

Preliminary concepts for the park include a large public green space, a music venue, and a network of walking trails and boardwalks. With guidance from the NPS, the Town will develop a clear framework to ensure the final design reflects the community’s highest priorities and most desired amenities.

Ann Cundy, Executive Director of the CSPDC states “The CSPDC is proud to support Goshen and the National Park Service on this transformative project. Recently, we helped the Town and County secure access to the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) for the revitalization of the Stillwater Facility as well as secure Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a new community center in Goshen. I am inspired by the Town’s vision, persistence, and commitment. They have so much to be proud of.”

Nathan L. Hilbert from the NPS says “We are excited to dig into the project with Goshen to make the community park a reality. The NPS-RTCA program will assist in gathering community input and developing conceptual designs that will lead to future funding. I was really inspired by the history of Goshen, the dynamic park committee, and the goals laid out over the next year. The park is a unique opportunity for the community to create a space that builds connection, wellness, and just plain fun.”

 

 

Executive Director Ann Cundy Featured on Shenandoah Valley Life Podcast

Posted on by

Ann Cundy with host, Jay Langston

Executive Director Ann Cundy recently joined host Jay Langston on the Shenandoah Valley Life Podcast, sharing about her years in the region and CSPDC’s role in supporting local communities. The Shenandoah Valley Partnership podcast showcases residents who are living, working and thriving in Virginia’s iconic valley.

During their conversation, Ann discussed her lifelong connections to the Valley and explored how CSPDC’s diverse programs work hand-in-hand with SVP’s efforts to boost economic development and create jobs throughout the region. Since launching in 2021, SVP has produced 55 podcast episodes featuring local leaders and innovators.

Curious to learn more about CSPDC’s regional initiatives? Listen to Ann’s episode of the SV Life podcast here.

I-81 Transformation Continues:  Updates to Corridor Study

Posted on by

Widening activity in Staunton

 

Virginia continues efforts to transform the Interstate 81 corridor with a comprehensive new study. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), working alongside the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, is developing an updated Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) for the entire 325-mile I-81 corridor within the Commonwealth. This latest initiative builds upon the success of the previous 2018 study, which identified 65 construction projects worth approximately $3 billion that are already completed or are now in development.

Current and Upcoming Projects in Our Region

The Staunton Construction District has two active projects and three more on the horizon:

Currently Underway:

  • Widening to three lanes between Exit 221 and Exit 225 in both directions through the City of Staunton (completion projected for June 2027)
  • Adding a truck climbing lane near Weyers Cave between mile markers 234 and 237 Southbound (completion projected for December 2027)

Planned Projects:

  • Widening to three lanes between Exit 243 and 247 in both directions through Harrisonburg (anticipated start September 2025)
  • Extending the acceleration/deceleration lane on the Southbound side of the Mt. Sidney rest area in Augusta County (anticipated start January 2028)
  • Widening to three lanes in Rockbridge County between Exit 205 and 200 Southbound (anticipated start May 2028)

With these planned improvements in progress, VDOT is reassessing traffic conditions to determine which areas require attention next, focusing on segments with the highest rate and severity of crashes or the most significant traffic delays while excluding portions where recent widenings or truck-climbing lanes have been completed or are currently under development.

Through a three-phase public engagement process, VDOT will gather community input throughout the planning process. The initial spring phase focused on issue identification through virtual surveys and interactive mapping, allowing the public to report safety and congestion problems. During the summer phase, completed in July 2025, the study team presented potential solutions at four in-person meetings held in Weyers Cave, Winchester, Bristol, and Salem, with nearly 1,700 people responding to the accompanying online survey. You can view the presentation and project boards that were shared at these public meetings at the following links:

Proposed Projects in the Staunton District

I-81 CIP Round 2 – Potential Solutions Presentation

The final engagement phase this fall will help refine recommendations before presenting them to the I-81 Advisory Committee and Commonwealth Transportation Board by year’s end.

Community input remains crucial to the success of these transportation improvements, which focus on enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth along this vital corridor that serves as a critical artery for freight movement and regional connectivity.

Learn more about the 2025 Corridor Improvement Plan Study, projects previously completed and those underway at www.Improve81.org.