News
Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership Holds Ten Community Meetings
Between February and April 2023, the Shenandoah Rail Trail Rail Partnership conducted a series of ten community meetings to inform and engage the public about the Shenandoah Rail Trail. The proposed trail would convert an unused rail corridor between Broadway and Front Royal into a 48.5-mile multi-use trail running through nine towns, three counties, and near numerous schools, businesses and cultural resources. There is enthusiasm and momentum for the Shenandoah Rail Trail as the Partnership moves forward to the next phase of the project, which includes acquiring the rail corridor, continuing to talk with trail neighbors, and starting the preliminary trail design. The Partnership will hold its annual meeting in June, 2023 to share updates and maintain enthusiasm and momentum as the project moves into its next important phase.
Goshen Applies for CDBG Grant for Community Service Facility
On June 1st, the Town of Goshen applied for a Community Improvement Grant under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. If awarded, the grant would provide $1,250,000 to support the development of a multi-purpose community service facility in Goshen. The Town envisions that the facility will significantly improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof. The community center would address the community’s most pressing needs by providing health care, healthy food, senior services, and recreational opportunities to those who currently lack easy access to these basic amenities. Grant awards are expected to be announced in the Fall.
Shenandoah Valley Aviation Technology Park Hangars Near Completion
Construction of the first two corporate hangars in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport’s (SHD) Aviation Technology Park is nearly complete. Occupancy is expected in July. SHD was awarded funds through a USDA Rural Development loan and a $2 million Economic Development Administration matching grant to construct the two hangars and associated office space. Each hangar is 14,000 square feet. Related improvements included road and taxiway access, parking, and site work. The project is anticipated to generate 50-75 high-paying jobs.
SHD also was awarded funding through GO Virginia to further develop the Aviation Technology Park. To construct future hangars, sewer and water utilities need to be relocated from the middle of the 58-acre site to its perimeter. GO Virginia previously funded the design and engineering of the utility project and is now supporting its construction phase. The Aviation Technology Park is expected to be a regional employment hub with a concentration of aviation-related businesses. The CSPDC provided technical assistance with the grant applications and is providing grant administration services. The Airport Commission includes representatives from the counties of Augusta and Rockingham and the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg.
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.