News
CSPDC Creates Economic Asset Web App
CSPDC has created an economic asset web app that allows users to discover business and quality of life assets for the 10 localities in the CSPDC region. Each locality has a tab with a short description and link to their Economic Development pages. Users can click on locality features in the interactive map to find more information, including demographic data such as population, median age, cost of living, and unemployment rates. Users can also view industrial/business parks and business incentive zones in the CSPDC region.
Wildfire and Hazards Survey Released to Gather Public Input
The CSPDC, along with the Regional All Hazards Mitigation Plan Committee, have launched an online survey of the region’s residents to gauge their perceptions about vulnerability to natural hazards. The survey will also gather input about their willingness to implement preparedness and mitigation measures to protect their families, homes, and businesses. The responses will be incorporated into the Central Shenandoah Valley Wildfire Protection Plan and the Central Shenandoah Valley All Hazards Mitigation Plan. With all of the natural disasters and human-induced disasters across the country this past year, the survey will be an important way that residents can help first responders understand the hazard readiness of residents in the region. Please share the survey link with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors here in the Central Shenandoah Valley.
Watch WHSV’s coverage of the survey HERE.
2018 Virginia Agritourism Conference
GO Virginia Region 8 Council Now Accepting Project Proposals
The GO Virginia Region 8 Council is pleased to announce that it is accepting proposals for projects to be funded through the State’s GO Virginia initiative. The Region 8 Council has approximately $828,000 in per capita GO Virginia funds to award for collaborative projects that involve two or more localities and a private sector partner. Projects should be focused on diversifying the region’s economy in the targeted industries and eligible activities identified in Region 8’s Growth and Diversification Plan. In addition to the per capita funds, approximately $11.3 million in competitive statewide GO Virginia funds are also available for projects where two or more GO Virginia regions partner. The upcoming application deadlines are April 6, 2018, for per capita applications, and June 1, 2018, for per capita and competitive statewide applications.
The GO Virginia Region 8 Council application and a project application guide are available on the Shenandoah Valley Partnership website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Bonnie Riedesel, Executive Director of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, (540) 885-5174, bonnie@cspdc.org to discuss their project prior to completing a project application.
BRITE Rider Wins “Try Transit Week” Grand Prize
Jenny Cox of Verona, was recently named Grand Prize Winner of the 2017 Virginia Department of Rail and Public TransportationTry Transit Week giveaway. Participants from all over the Commonwealth that took the Try Transit Week pledge during the September promotion were automatically entered for a chance to win a year of free transit service from a participating Virginia transit operator, as well as a pair of round-trip tickets aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train.
Ms. Cox routinely rides the BRCC South BRITE route and uses other routes as well to run daily errands. She was presented with a unique one-year pass for BRITE Bus transit at special ceremony in January. Try Transit Week is an annual educational event designed to spread the word about public transportation accessibility and its benefits and to encourage Virginians to reduce their use of single-occupancy vehicles by trying a form of public transportation. Try Transit Week celebrated in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County with a Free Ride Day on all BRITE Bus routes.