News
Work Begins on Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation
The CSPDC is making progress on the Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation project. The Lewis Street Hub is located at 240 N. Lewis Street in Downtown Staunton and currently serves the BRITE Bus transit system as a central hub and transfer location for multiple BRITE Bus routes. The lot is also used by the City of Staunton to provide free parking to downtown visitors. Lot conditions have deteriorated over time due to regular wear and tear from daily bus traffic. In March of 2022, the CSPDC was awarded a 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Grant from the Federal Transit Administration to rehabilitate the lot. This competitive grant funding will allow the CSPDC to improve lot conditions, create a designated bus boarding area, and improve the overall experience of those using the lot for transit and parking needs.
In September of 2022, the CSPDC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering and Design services for this project. After reviewing and scoring all proposals based on qualifications, the CSPDC awarded the engineering and design contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates. A notice-to-proceed was issued in January. CSPDC and City of Staunton staff will meet with consultants from Kimley-Horn and Associates in March to officially kick-off the project.
Geotechnical engineers working with Kimley-Horn have begun surveying and conducting field assessments in preparation for the kick-off meeting. CSPDC staff will meet with their consulting team at Kimley-Horn regularly over the coming months as engineering and design plans are developed. Once designs and site plans have been finalized and approved, Kimley-Horn will assist the CSPDC in preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction.
The engineering and design phase is anticipated to take approximately six months. CSPDC hopes to issue a contract for construction by late summer, with construction to begin soon after.
Town of Mount Crawford Adopts Comprehensive Plan
The Town of Mount Crawford, Rockingham County’s smallest and oldest originally chartered town, adopted a new Comprehensive Plan on March 13. The Plan identifies goals, strategies, and action items to address community growth, improve existing infrastructure and historic resources, advance the development of new community spaces and parks, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
CSPDC staff assisted the Town’s staff and Planning Commission with developing the Plan, and facilitated two phases of public engagement. The first public survey yielded over 100 responses in a Town of 439 people.
A Comprehensive Plan is a guidance document that defines a community’s vision over a 25-year period. The Plan is not regulatory, and is intended to inform future Town decision-making on key Town issues.
CSPDC Recognizes New Commissioner
Ms. Alidia Vane was appointed to the CSPDC Commission to represent the County of Augusta. Ms. Vane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from New York University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College. Prior to her position as Planner for Augusta County, she was the Director of the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.
33rd Annual Environment Virginia Symposium – March 28- 30 2023
The Environment Virginia Symposium will be held March 28-30 at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and is hosted by Virginia Environmental Endowment, and the Virginia Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Forestry (DOF), Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and Wildlife Resources (DWR).
This symposium is the Commonwealth’s premier environmental conference which brings together environmental professionals throughout Virginia from all sectors: government, non-profits, academia, and industry. Their joint efforts create better results for our environment for our state and region.
For more information and to register visit: https://vmieva.cventevents.com/event/8fbfb5ec-4950-4cbf-8097-151a02e98e1a/summary
USDA-Rural Development Programs Showcase Scheduled
In partnership with USDA-Rural Development, the CSPDC will be hosting a USDA-RD Programs Showcase presentation on Wednesday, April 19 from 9am-12:30pm at the Virginia Horse Center in Rockbridge County. At the event, USDA-RD will provide an informative overview of their programs, including loans and grants, that help to improve economic prosperity for the families and businesses in the Central Shenandoah Region. USDA-RD will provide presentations and one-on-one networking with specialty experts in the fields of rural business, community facilities, water and environmental programs, single family housing, and telecommunications. Dupont Community Credit Union and the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund will also give brief presentations to share the economic development services they provide to the region. This event is made possible through the support of event sponsors Dupont Community Credit Union and BARC Electric Cooperative.
Local officials, planners, economic development staff, administrators, housing professionals, community service providers, farm market managers, lending professionals, and small/rural business owners are encouraged to attend this free event. Registration is required by April 14th, and can be found here. Light breakfast, coffee and tea, and mid-morning snacks will be provided. Don’t miss this chance to talk to USDA-RD program specialist and learn how these programs can benefit your locality or organization! To view the agenda, click here.