The Virginia Department of Health’s Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is responsible for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the CSPDC region. The CSHD has launched several helpful resources to ensure accurate information about vaccine distribution reaches the public. Residents can sign-up for CSHD’s weekly COVID-19 e-newsletter or obtain further up-to-date information from the COVID-19 vaccine webpage. For those who would like to ask questions over the phone, CSHD holds phone-in office hours on Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 pm. To participate, dial 1-844-992-4726 and enter access code 132 173 5589.
Category Archives: News
Telework Survey
The CSPDC in cooperation with the University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is conducting a public survey to determine the need for a Coworking Space located in the Fishersville area. This survey will ascertain the demand for a Fishersville collective workspace that would include convenient access to major highways and Interstate 64, private secured offices or shared work areas, reliable high-speed internet access, communal office amenities and free onsite parking. Responses to this survey will assist decision makers in further developing this potential Coworking Space.
SMART SCALE Applications
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) shared a preliminary list of transportation projects recommended for funding through the SMART SCALE program with the Commonwealth Transportation Board last month. The CSPDC, HRMPO, SAWMPO, and our member jurisdictions were very successful this round, with 16 projects recommended for funding out of 21 applications submitted. Projects are multi-modal in scope and include park and ride lot improvements, transit stops, shared use paths, roadway safety enhancements and interstate access.
I-81 Truck Parking Task Force
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.
BRCC Cyber Security Jobs Program
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.
Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Feasibility Study
The Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Partnership is working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to evaluate the feasibility of acquiring an out-of-service Norfolk Southern rail corridor, approximately 50 miles in length, between Broadway and Front Royal, Virginia. CSPDC is a member of the Rail Trail Partnership, and is assisting DCR with stakeholder input sessions and data gathering. The feasibility study is being developed based on a FY21 state budget amendment, and will evaluate the condition of the corridor, refine projected economic impacts of the trail, and develop cost estimates to construct and maintain the trail. The Study is to be delivered to the General Assembly by October, 2021.
Bath-Highland Network Authority Virtual Meeting
The Bath-Highland Network Authority is scheduled to meet on February 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be conducted by video conference call, rather than in-person. Join the Zoom Call by one of these three ways:
1) Through your browser:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84040099605?pwd=V2Q1TzI5MGRzSjBuYTVBQWhNOVNidz09
2) Download Zoom Mobile App for iPhone or Android
Meeting ID: 840 4009 9605
Passcode: 111294
3) Dial-in (audio only):
301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 840 4009 9605
Passcode: 111294
For more information about the meeting, please contact Ms. Hunter Moore at 540-885-5174 or hunter@cspdc.org.
County Government Day: January 28
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.
The Highland Inn Receives Brownfields Grant
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.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Open to the Public
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.