The expansion of the Town Center Park and Ride commuter lot in Waynesboro, which began construction in March 2022, was completed in November 2021. The $1 million project increased parking capacity from 120 to 175 parking spaces, installed a bus pull off and two covered bus shelters, and repaved and improved on location lighting. Additional amenities included bicycle racks, sidewalks, landscaping, and infrastructure to accommodate future electric vehicle charging stations.

In the first two months of operating, the Afton Express stopped at Town Center, at an existing bus shelter near Target. Afton Express buses now stop at the new, dedicated bus pull off in the enhanced commuter lot.

One of the CSPDC’s roles in economic development is to be a resource for data about the region and the PDC’s localities. To help support this important function, the CSPDC creates and distributes Facts & Figures, an easy-to-read snapshot of each sub-region’s people, jobs, schools, and other unique attributes. The 2021 Facts & Figures documents are now available on the CSPDC website.

In July, the CSPDC announced that it received $2 million in funding towards the development of new housing initiatives in our region through Virginia Housing’s PDC Housing Development Program. Through this grant, the CSPDC will award gap funding to non-profit, private, and public sector developers to go toward the creation of at least 20 affordable housing units in the region by July 2024.

On December 9^th, the CSPDC held a housing roundtable – the meeting provided an overview of the PDC Housing Development Program, and provided information on the requirements and timeline for the grant. CSPDC staff also provided a data overview on the ‘State of Housing’ in our region, and facilitated a discussion around affordable housing opportunities and challenges. More than 70 participants registered the event, including representatives from member local governments, non-profits, and private development firms.

On January 3^rd 2022, the CSPDC will release a Request for Proposals for affordable housing developers seeking grant funds. The RFP will remain open for a month, and will then be reviewed by CSPDC staff. The CSPDC expects to announce funding decisions by March 2022. More information on the PDC Housing Development Program, including RFP information and grant guidelines, can be found here. The CSPDC will release guidelines in advance of the grant application on Wednesday, December 15^th.

President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law on November 15, 2021. The bill covers spending from FY22 through FY26, and includes reauthorization of the FAST Act, the prior five-year federal transportation spending plan.

Of the $1.2 trillion, $550 billion is new spending, and $284 billion is allocated for transportation improvements. The State of Virginia will receive $7 billion for highway improvements, $1.2billion for public transportation, $738 million for water infrastructure, $537 billion for bridge repairs, $106 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, and $65 million for broadband.

Funding through existing programs will begin within the next six months. New programs, such as for electric vehicle infrastructure, will likely take more time to begin. CSPDC staff will continue to track the bill, and will inform localities of upcoming IIJA funding opportunities

The 2022 Shenandoah Valley Project Impact Preparedness Calendar will be available for pick-up the first week of December at local government buildings and libraries or by contacting the CSPDC. The calendar contains preparedness tips and mitigation strategies for dealing with severe weather, emergencies and disasters, as well as fun holidays for each day of the year.

This year, sponsorship of the calendar is being provided by Sentara RMH Medical Center. The theme of the 2022 calendar is “Community Heroes.” Using historic photos, each month highlights different ways members of our communities have stepped up to help us all navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information, contact Rebecca Joyce, at rebecca@cspdc.org or 540-885-5174 ext. 112.