On September 16, the CSPDC launched a survey to collect data about the region’s food system, and how an Agricultural Enterprise Center could assist farmers and food businesses expand production and access new markets. Collected data will be used for the Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study that is expected to be completed in May 2021. Potential services offered by the Ag. Center include a commercial kitchen, food lab/testing kitchen, flash freeze facility, training space for smart-ag classes and seminars, a food hub that buys and sells local products, packaging and distribution operations, and business planning resources.

If you are a food business operator, farmer, or food buyer who may be interested in selling or purchasing local products through a food center, please fill out the survey by October 15.

To replace September’s Try Transit Week, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) launched a new statewide initiative, Transit Appreciation Month. This campaign is in response to COVID-19 and supports the changes that transit agencies across Virginia have made to keep passengers and bus operators and staff safe. Each week during October’s Transit Appreciation Month a different theme will highlight the innovative and perseverant spirit of public transportation during this challenging time. Themes will include transit agency options and initiatives, transit’s essential role in the community, safety measures and employees who have gone above and beyond to provide a safe rider experience. All transit agencies in Virginia, including BRITE Bus, are invited to participate.

On September 18, the Rockbridge Area Outdoor Partnership (RAOP) received a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service through its River, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA). The Rockbridge Area Outdoor Partnership, formally known as Braiding the Way, is a community initiative striving to enhance outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area. RAOP will utilize the technical assistance to develop a 5-year strategic plan, which will guide the Partnership as it pursues projects that prioritize community wellness, environmental stewardship and the local economy. This is RAOP’s second technical assistance grant from the National Park Service RTCA program. In 2018, RTCA facilitated the development of RAOP’s current strategic plan which concludes this December.

In July, the Virginia Breeze intercity bus resumed service in the Interstate 81 corridor between Christiansburg and Washington, D.C. This route now named “The Valley Flyer” includes stops in Lexington, Staunton and Harrisonburg enroute to Dulles Airport and Union Station. Concurrently the Virginia Breeze rolled out a new website, logo, branding and bus design along with two new routes – The Piedmont Express originating in Danville and the Capital Connector originating in Martinsville. Both new routes serve stops in communities as they travel to Washington, D.C.

CSPDC will be seeking input from farmers, stakeholders, buyers, and food aggregators for the Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study. The online survey will be available mid-September through mid-October and will be collecting information on current market trends, facility needs, distribution concerns, and more. Please go to our project website for more information and to participate in the survey.

The feasibility study will determine the viability of a certified, commercial, shared-use Agricultural Enterprise Center located in the central Shenandoah Valley. The study will identify what components will be the most successful and beneficial to local farmers, explore physical locations for a facility, and structure a comprehensive business plan to be used for future implementation. Potential uses include a commercial kitchen, food lab/testing kitchen, flash freeze facility, training space for smart-ag classes and seminars, packaging and distribution operations, and business planning resources. The study is expected to be completed in May 2021.

In June, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the investment of $2.1M to provide much needed infrastructure for the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD). This award was the result of application by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission with extensive coordination, research, and assistance from the CSPDC.

The Department’s award through the EDA is to match a planned investment of nearly $3 million by the Airport Commission to construct corporate aircraft hangars, office and aviation flex space in the Shenandoah Valley Aviation Technology Park. Together the EDA and Airport Commission investment will result in approximately 25,000 square feet of new hangar and office space and create up to 75 high-paying jobs in the aviation technology and aviation maintenance sector.

RideShare, a program administered by the CSPDC in partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, has refreshed its website to be more user-friendly and include a new trip planning tool that maps out regional transportation options. RideShare provides commuters, employers, and single trip drivers with resources on carpools, vanpools, park and ride lots, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, and alternate modes of transportation such a biking, walking, and public transit. Together the new information-packed website and the RideShare – Rides & Rewards app, help reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility, and incentivize cost saving alternate modes of transportation throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia.

In August, the Commonwealth launched a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA. The program will provide grants of up to three times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000.

These grants are aimed at assisting small businesses and nonprofits that have faced economic distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible entities include restaurant and beverage service, non-essential retail, exercise and fitness, personal care and personal grooming, entertainment and public amusement, private campgrounds and overnight summer camps.

This statewide program is capitalized with $70 million, which means it will be able to assist approximately 7,000 businesses. Half of the proceeds will be directed toward small businesses and nonprofits located in economically disadvantaged areas, including ensuring adequate representation of women-owned and minority-owned businesses.