News
Bolster Joins CSPDC
Steve Bolster joins the CSPDC as their newest regional planner. He began serving with the CSPDC team on May 22nd. Steve previously served as the Rockbridge County Fiscal Services Director for over 10 years. He completed his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Touro University International. Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Management from Mount Olive College.
Steve is originally from Los Angeles, California. He and his family moved to Lexington in June 2006 where he served five years as an AFROTC Instructor at the Virginia Military Institute. Steve retired from the USAF in the fall of 2011. He currently lives in Rockbridge County with his wife Tammy and their two dogs Rosie and Bailey. Steve is looking forward to serving with our regional partners with a goal to make a positive impact in our communities.
SAWMPO Intersection Safety Study Nearing Completion
The SAWMPO is completing a safety analysis of six intersections in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro. The intersections are: Churchville Avenue/Thornrose Drive and Coalter Street/Statler Boulevard in Staunton; Laurel Hill Road/US 11 and Laurel Hill Road/I-81 Exit 227 northbound ramps in Augusta County; and Delphine Avenue/I-64 Exit 96 westbound ramps, and Delphine Avenue/Windsor Road in Waynesboro.
The recommendations highlight safety improvements at each intersection that localities and VDOT can use to apply for projects through grant funding programs. The final study will be available on SAWMPO.org in June.
CTB to Consider Six-Year Transportation Funding Program
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will consider approving the FY2024-2029 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) at the June Board meeting. The SYIP allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation projects, and the public can search projects and costs on VDOT’s SYIP website.
The SYIP is updated annually, and documents proposed projects for design, right-of-way, and construction over the next six years from programs like SMART SCALE.
MGCC Wilson Workforce Center Project in Buena Vista
CSPDC representatives are supporting Buena Vista (BV) efforts to secure a $1M DHCD Community Economic Development program grant to leverage other funding sources to renovate a former Courtesy Ford dealership building in BV’s designated Opportunity Zone. The approximately $5.3M+ project will transform the 18,750 square foot facility into the Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) Wilson Workforce Development Center. When finished, the center will train students for in-demand jobs such as: HVAC, building trades, electrical, plumbing, industrial technology, precision machining, welding, diesel mechanics, and CDLs. These employment fields are included in the State’s FastForward program, which provides tuition assistance to students training for in-demand jobs.
MGCC officials expect to grow their ability to deliver workforce training by 200% and see enrollment rise by at least 120%. In addition, the center is estimated to assist with creating or retaining 110 jobs and spawn $2M in private investment in the region. The initial phase of the renovation project is planned for later this calendar year with an estimate to begin classes for the Fall 2024 semester. Other funding sources include: the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the MGCC Real Estate Foundation, and the City of Buena Vista.
PDC Housing Development Program Partner Spotlight: Foley Road Efficiencies
The PDC Housing Development Program, a $2 million pilot program through Virginia Housing that provides gap funds to affordable housing developers in need of additional capital, will soon reach its two-year milestone. To date, the seven developers who received an award through the program have accessed just over 50% of obligated funds, totaling more than $800,000 in grant funds utilized.
One of the seven partner projects, Foley Road Efficiencies, has made significant construction progress over the past several months. The Foley Road Efficiencies development will bring 11 efficiency rental units to the City of Harrisonburg, affordable to those at 60% AMI, in part using $350,000 in PDC Housing Development Program Funds. Framing is currently underway, and the developer recently installed electrical infrastructure with the capability to allow for Level 3 EV charging for all 11 units. The intentional use of local contractors and suppliers on this project is supporting local businesses and the community members they employ while generating tax revenue. The units will remain affordable at 60% AMI for at least 20 years, and the developer intentionally built units with a smaller footprint to encourage affordability by design over the lifespan of the building.
All units receiving funds through the PDC Housing Development Program must be complete by June 30, 2025.