News
New Statewide Broadband Mapping Tool Unveiled
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently revealed the statewide broadband mapping tool, ‘Commonwealth Connection’. This online tool developed by DHCD and Virginia Tech allows users to view broadband coverage in their area, filter the data by speed and technology type, find vertical assets and public WiFi hotspots, and conduct speed tests. The information is based on information submitted by internet service providers (ISPs) in Virginia and can be compared with FCC’s broadband coverage data. View this new mapping tool here.
CSPDC Staff to Present on Housing Programs at Shenandoah Valley Partnership Spring Forum
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) will be hosting a Spring Economic Development Forum on Friday, May 20th from 9am-11am at Blue Ridge Community College’s Bettie Plecker Center. The meeting will center around housing challenges and opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley. Developers, local officials, housing providers, realtors, builders, and economic developers around the region are invited to attend.
CSPDC staff will be attending the event and will provide a brief presentation on the PDC’s housing programs and initiatives, including the PDC Housing Development Program, which provides affordable housing gap funds to regional housing developers, the upcoming Regional Housing Study, and the HOME Down Payment Assistance program. Local government representatives will present on policy changes they are implementing to provide expanded housing choices as well as the housing-related challenges they are facing. Additionally, SVP has invited experts from across the state, including representatives from Virginia Housing, to speak to the future of housing in the Shenandoah Valley.
FTA Awards CSPDC $1.2 Million for Transit Hub Rehabilitation
The Federal Transit Administration awarded CSPDC a $1.2 million Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Grant to rehabilitate the BRITE Transit Hub at 240 North Lewis Street in downtown Staunton. The federal grant is matched with state and local transit funds, and will rebuild the surface parking lot with a concrete bus lane, defined parking, ADA sidewalks and a passenger boarding area with shelters and safety lighting. CSPDC will also coordinate with public and private partners to install 4 electric vehicle charging stations on the lot. The PDC anticipates construction of the new Hub in 2023.
Virginia Association of MPOs (VAMPO) to Host Environmental Justice Virtual Training
VAMPO will host a free 90-minute virtual training on Friday, April 29th that will explore recent developments surrounding equity, and discuss best practices that planning professionals can incorporate into their work to reflect rapidly evolving policies and legal requirements. The training will be led by Fred R. Wagner, Esq. with Venable LLP. Registration is required. Training is eligible for 1.5 AICP Certification Maintenance Credits, including 1 Equity CM credit. Click Here to Register.
Office of Drinking Water Announcing Funding Programs
The Virginia General Assembly allocated the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to improve drinking water infrastructure in disadvantaged waterworks over the next four years. $50 million was allocated in FY21, with the remainder available for FY22 eligibility. Types of projects can include, but are not limited to: water treatment, storage, transmission/distribution lines, and water source needs (limited). The ARPA program provides 100% granting funds to awarded projects. Additionally, ODW is soliciting applications for their Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund concurrently with their ARPA program and will provide split grant and loan options. Applications for both programs are due May 6, 2022. Additional information can be found on the Office of Drinking Water’s website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/arpa/