News
VDOT Seeks Input on Interstate 81 2025 Corridor Improvement Plan
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has launched a new study to assess and improve the Interstate 81 corridor. The I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) will analyze the entire 325-mile stretch of the interstate in the Commonwealth to identify safety and congestion issues.
VDOT is seeking input from drivers and stakeholders to compare real-world travel experiences with traffic-data analysis. The study includes an online survey with an interactive map where participants can highlight locations with traffic concerns. This is the first phase of the study and this public engagement period is open until April 15. The survey is available in multiple languages on the VDOT Project Page, and additional comments can be submitted to va81corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov.
After the initial public engagement period, the study team which combines data obtained from the survey data with traffic data to develop recommendations. Additional opportunities for public comment on said recommendations.
The study is part of the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program (IOEP), which focuses on improving safety, reliability, and traffic flow on Virginia’s interstate highways. A similar study was conducted in 2018, leading to 65 construction projects totaling approximately $3 billion. Information about these projects is available at Improve81.org.
CSPDC Attends Mary Baldwin University All Majors Career Fair
On March 19th and 20th, CSPDC staff members Garreth Bartholomew, Danielle Gannon, Elizabeth Goodloe, and Rachel Kinzer, attended a Mary Baldwin University All Majors Career Fair to interact with the students and tell them about the work of the CSPDC and what it is like to be a regional planner. A variety of employers were present at the fair including city and county police departments, educational entities, community organizations, radio, architecture companies, as well as companies and organizations from other disciplines. The CSPDC spoke with many students at different stages in their college career. While MBU does not have a planning program, many students were interested in the work of the CSPDC and a few students could see how their major could fit into a planning career. It was a great event to connect with the community and engage in conversation about how the area can come together and inspire future graduates to explore careers in the planning field.
CSPDC Staff Member Receives Social Marketing in Transportation Certificate
CSPDC Transit Planner Danielle Gannon recently completed the Social Marketing in Transportation course from the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. The course was five months long and focused on how to address transportation issues in our communities through social marketing.
Social marketing is a form of marketing that is centered around encouraging behavioral changes that promote positive social action and address societal issues.
In the course, participants chose a transportation issue and priority population that were relevant to their community and then applied formative research techniques to identify both internal and external determinants that influence that group’s behavior. Ms. Gannon focused on understanding the stigmas related to public transit, and helped create a campaign that was centered around promoting safer driving habits in young men.
Gannon will use these tools at the CSPDC in both her role as a transit planner for the BRITE system, as well as in her role as TDM Coordinator for the Commuter Assistance RideShare Program.
VDEM Leads Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Workshop for the Region
On March 10th, representatives from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) led a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) workshop with local government staff, emergency response managers, floodplain managers, and various regional organizations, gathered to discuss the program, the role of the regional hazard mitigation plan, and eligible projects.
During the meeting, VDEM grant specialists raised awareness of Federal funds awarded to the State related to Hurricane Helene (FEMA-DR-VA-4831). They noted that 15% of these funds could be used for mitigation efforts through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Eligible projects include but are not limited to property acquisition and demolition, mitigation reconstruction, infrastructure protection, mitigation planning, and flood control.
While this opportunity is open statewide, priority will be given to declared localities, particularly in Southwest Virginia.
CSPDC Applies for Grant to Support Three Affordable Housing Projects
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has applied for funding through Virginia Housing’s Regional Housing Development Program to support three affordable housing developments in the region. If awarded, the $1.5 million grant will help produce 180 affordable housing units across Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County.
The selected projects include:
- 1030 Alston Court – Developed by Enterprise Community Development, Inc.
- BJS Harrisonburg Family I – Developed by the Beverly J. Searles Foundation, Inc.
- Locust Grove II – Developed by Cosner Construction, Inc.
The Regional Housing Development Program aims to increase the inventory of affordable housing opportunities and address housing issues flagged in recently completed housing studies. In February 2025, the CSPDC released its Regional Housing Study, which provided valuable insights and helped identify high-impact projects for the grant application. The Regional Housing Development Program is a continuation of the previous PDC Housing Development Program. In the last iteration, the CSPDC was able to award $1.66 million in gap funding to seven housing developers, supporting the construction of 58 affordable housing units across the Central Shenandoah.