News
Chesapeake Bay WIP Program Stormwater Toolkit
Check out the new Stormwater Toolkit developed by the Central Shenandoah PDC for the Chesapeake Bay WIP program. This toolkit (please click link) provides resources for stormwater runoff management, including best practices, helpful links, and educational activities. We hope this will be a useful document for our localities and local watershed organizations.
TAP Pre-Applications Submitted
Every two years, eligible applicants in our region submit project applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which funds non-motorized transportation projects like sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. The CSPDC partnered with multiple local governments to submit eight TAP applications by the October 1, 2021 deadline. VDOT will review the applications and announce project awards in spring 2022.
Counties Apply for State Broadband Funds
On behalf of the Bath-Highland Network Authority (BHNA), the CSPDC applied for 2022 VATI funds with MGW serving as co-applicant to bring universal broadband coverage to Bath and Highland counties. The over $10 million project will deploy last mile fiber to 2,470 locations in both counties.
The CSPDC also assisted Rockbridge County with their 2022 VATI application consisting of two projects totaling over $21 million. BARC Electric and the Rockbridge Area Network Authority (RANA) served as co-applicants in the proposal that includes two projects providing high-speed internet to 2,338 premises located in remote areas with difficult topography.
Augusta and Rockingham counties partnered with six other counties in the northern Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont region on a $300M VATI broadband project. If funded, All Points Broadband, Dominion Energy, and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative will work together to deploy fiber-to-the-home infrastructure to 42,693 locations in the eight-county region.
Awards are expected to be announced in December 2021.
Data Research for Recovery Plan Completed
Chumra Economics and Analytics has been working with the CSPDC to provide local and regional data that will be included in the Central Shenandoah Pandemic Recovery and Resiliency Plan. Data analysis by Chmura includes the impact of the pandemic on various industry sectors and employment, including the effect on downtowns and the housing and commercial real estate markets. New business trends such as the sizable employee shift to teleworking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is also included in the analysis.
The next step in completion of the Plan will be for the CSPDC to integrate Chmura’s research into the overall planning document. It is anticipated that the Pandemic Recovery and Resiliency Plan will be completed and available for distribution in early 2022.
Afton Express Bus Begins Service
The Afton Express bus service connecting Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro to Charlottesville began operations on September 1. Ridership has continued to grow throughout the month.
A survey is being distributed to current riders exploring their satisfaction with the routing and schedule and soliciting any suggestions for potential service improvements. Surveys will be evaluated in October and will impact upcoming marketing efforts.
During the month of September, Afton Express passengers rode fare-free. Beginning October 1, a $3 one-way fare started to be collected. A cost saving ten-trip fare card for $25 is also available to frequent riders. Follow the Afton Express Facebook page for up-to-date information.