News
Bath-Highland Network Authority Public Meeting
On October 16th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., the Bath-Highland Network Authority will hold a meeting at the Bolar Ruritan Club, 38 Bolar Lane, Monterey, VA 24465. For more information about the meeting, please contact Steve Bolster at 540-885-5174 or steve@cspdc.org.
CSPDC CEDS – Open for Public Comment
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is seeking public comment on the draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS document is an economic development tool designed to leverage assets from across the Central Shenandoah Region to bolster the regional economy. The CEDS will prepare the CSPDC to pursue future funding opportunities with the Economic Development Administration and act as a roadmap for future economic development endeavors across the region.
The document, as well as the mandatory criteria used in the creation of the document is available for review at this link or at the CSPDC Office, 112 MacTanly Place; Staunton, VA 24401. Comments may be submitted to the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission at jeremy@cspdc.org or the above address. Comments will be accepted from September 15-October 15, 2023. The CEDS Committee will consider adoption of the CEDS document during the CSPDC meeting on October 16, 2023, at the CSPDC Office.
TAP Application Period Open
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is accepting applications to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) this year. TAP is a subset of the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Every two years, localities can submit project applications to TAP, which provides 80% federal funding for non-motorized transportation improvements. Eligible projects include sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, and all activities previously eligible under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).
The local applicant must provide the remaining 20% of the project cost. TAP applications are due by October 2, 2023. The City of Harrisonburg, the Town of Bridgewater, and Rockingham County are applying for TAP projects in this round. Of the eight projects being applied for by the City, Town, and County, five are sidewalk projects, two are shared use path connections, and one is for non-infrastructure Safe Routes to School activities. VDOT will review the applications and announce project awards in Spring 2024, with the projects funded through the FY 2025 Six Year Improvement Program to be approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in June, 2024.
MGCC Workforce Development Center Holds Ribbon Cutting
On August 15, 2023, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) President Dr. John Rainone cut the grand opening ribbon for MGCC’s interim Workforce Development Center in Buena Vista. The event marked the phase 1 milestone of constructing the Wilson Workforce Development Center in the former Courtesy Ford Dealership building. MGCC students began courses the following Monday (August 21st) in the McCormick Building at 2045 Forest Avenue. MGCC programs will encompass HVAC, building, electrical, plumbing, industrial technology, precision machining, welding, diesel mechanics, and CDL training for these in-demand career fields.
Local representatives taking part in the ribbon cutting included Ramsey Real Estate owner Skip Ramsey, Rockbridge County Administrator Spencer Suter, Lexington City Council member Marilyn Alexander, Rockbridge Odd Fellows Society Treasurer Tony McFaddin, Buena Vista City Manager Jason Tyree, MGCC President, Dr. John Rainone, MGCC Technical Services employee Billy Oulds, and Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman.
Virginia for Development-Ready Communities Workshop
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is hosting a Virginia for Development-Ready Communities Workshop with Joe Borgstrom of Place & Main Advisors on October 24 from 10:00AM – 3:30PM at the Church of the Incarnation, 75 N Mason St, Harrisonburg, VA. Attendees will be engaged in activities and learn how to determine their community’s readiness, evaluate market opportunities, and the right incentives to attract quality investments and investors. This half-day workshop includes modules on Property Marketing, Proforma 101, and Incentives. Join community leaders from across the state in this important learning opportunity – and get your community Development Ready!
$25 Early Bird registration (through September 15th)
$50 Regular (September 16th – October 15th)