CSPDC staff continues to participate in Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) I-81 Truck Parking Task Force that is working to expand public and private truck parking facilities along I-81. The Task Force, formed in August 2020, is the result of a recommendation from the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan and is comprised of representatives from VDOT, DMV, private travel center owners, economic development authorities, trucking associations, and local and regional government and planning agencies. In 2021 the Task Force will focus on identifying ways to improve existing facilities and establish potential new facility locations. Contact Zach Beard at the CSPDC to provide input or receive additional information.

In 2018, with the support of GO Virginia funds and the cities of Waynesboro and Harrisonburg, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) developed a non-credit cyber security workforce development program to help establish high-wage, high demand cyber security jobs in the region. Since the start of the program, five cohorts, totaling 69 students, have participated in cyber security credentialling classes and on-the-job training with private industry partners. To date, 36 students have been hired in the cyber security industry with 86% staying in the region.  The average starting annual salary of those completing BRCC’s program was $49,500.  GO Virginia supported the cost of instructors and class materials as BRCC established this very popular program which received 335 applications for enrollment.  Because of the program’s success, Blue Ridge Community College will continue to offer the program through Virginia’s FastForward program.

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC), Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), Virginia Municipal League (VML) and the Virginia Rural Center (VRC) will join forces again this year to advocate for local governments at the 2021 General Assembly session held on County Government Day, Thursday, January 28. Governor Ralph Northam will address participants and share how his legislative agenda will strengthen Virginia’s communities. Other legislators will also be joining this discussion.

More information.

In October, 2020, the CSPDC and Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) staff toured and received an update on construction of the renovation project at the historic Highland Inn in Highland County. In June, 2020 the CSPDC assisted the Blue Grass Resource Center in applying for a $50,000 DEQ Brownfields Grant for the Highland Inn’s restoration project. The Brownfields grant is funding the removal of lead paint during this initial renovation phase. Other projects underway include reconstructing the Inn’s iconic front porches, replacing exterior fire escapes and stabilizing the foundation. Located on Main Street in Monterey, the Highland Inn is part of Highland County’s economic development strategy to increase tourism through retreat conferences and cultural events.

The Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel officially opened to the public on November 21, 2020. After patiently waiting to walk the trail and explore the engineering marvel, visitors arrived in droves. Trail counters installed by City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation recorded over 8,500 visitors in the first week, 6,500 of whom parked at the eastern trailhead. The Tunnel’s western trailhead just off U.S. 250 is also open, creating options for out-and-back and through hiking experiences. If you are planning a visit soon, remember a flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy shoes, as it can be wet inside the tunnel.

The CSPDC congratulates Nelson County and the City of Waynesboro on completing the Tunnel restoration and trail construction. This landmark will support economic development, tourism and active recreation for residents and visitors to the region.

The Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley with support from the CSPDC is hosting a free webinar on outdoor lighting technology on Wednesday, January 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Bob Parks, founder of Smart Outdoor Lighting Alliance will lead the discussion and show new approaches to using lighting as a tool within our communities. Mr. Parks has worked extensively throughout Virginia to train and help develop zoning ordinances on community friendly lighting standards. Following the webinar, COVID-friendly walking tours will be scheduled with Mr. Parks to experience firsthand the concepts discussed. Registration is required.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has awarded funding for two years of operations of the Afton Express transit service which will connect Staunton, Fishersville, Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County.  The planned service will include four morning and four evening trips Monday through Friday, with Charlottesville and Albemarle stops at Bavarro Hall, UVA Health System, Amtrak, the Downtown Transit Center and Fifth Street Station. Discussions will take place with DRPT and the local funders / stakeholders (cities of Staunton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville, counties of Augusta and Albemarle, and UVA) to determine when to safely move forward with implementation of this new transit route.