News
Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Feasibility Study
The Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Partnership is working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to evaluate the feasibility of acquiring an out-of-service Norfolk Southern rail corridor, approximately 50 miles in length, between Broadway and Front Royal, Virginia. CSPDC is a member of the Rail Trail Partnership, and is assisting DCR with stakeholder input sessions and data gathering. The feasibility study is being developed based on a FY21 state budget amendment, and will evaluate the condition of the corridor, refine projected economic impacts of the trail, and develop cost estimates to construct and maintain the trail. The Study is to be delivered to the General Assembly by October, 2021.
Bath-Highland Network Authority Virtual Meeting
The Bath-Highland Network Authority is scheduled to meet on February 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be conducted by video conference call, rather than in-person. Join the Zoom Call by one of these three ways:
1) Through your browser:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84040099605?pwd=V2Q1TzI5MGRzSjBuYTVBQWhNOVNidz09
2) Download Zoom Mobile App for iPhone or Android
Meeting ID: 840 4009 9605
Passcode: 111294
3) Dial-in (audio only):
301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 840 4009 9605
Passcode: 111294
For more information about the meeting, please contact Ms. Hunter Moore at 540-885-5174 or hunter@cspdc.org.
County Government Day: January 28
The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC), Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), Virginia Municipal League (VML) and the Virginia Rural Center (VRC) will join forces again this year to advocate for local governments at the 2021 General Assembly session held on County Government Day, Thursday, January 28. Governor Ralph Northam will address participants and share how his legislative agenda will strengthen Virginia’s communities. Other legislators will also be joining this discussion.
The Highland Inn Receives Brownfields Grant
In October, 2020, the CSPDC and Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) staff toured and received an update on construction of the renovation project at the historic Highland Inn in Highland County. In June, 2020 the CSPDC assisted the Blue Grass Resource Center in applying for a $50,000 DEQ Brownfields Grant for the Highland Inn’s restoration project. The Brownfields grant is funding the removal of lead paint during this initial renovation phase. Other projects underway include reconstructing the Inn’s iconic front porches, replacing exterior fire escapes and stabilizing the foundation. Located on Main Street in Monterey, the Highland Inn is part of Highland County’s economic development strategy to increase tourism through retreat conferences and cultural events.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Open to the Public
The Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel officially opened to the public on November 21, 2020. After patiently waiting to walk the trail and explore the engineering marvel, visitors arrived in droves. Trail counters installed by City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation recorded over 8,500 visitors in the first week, 6,500 of whom parked at the eastern trailhead. The Tunnel’s western trailhead just off U.S. 250 is also open, creating options for out-and-back and through hiking experiences. If you are planning a visit soon, remember a flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy shoes, as it can be wet inside the tunnel.
The CSPDC congratulates Nelson County and the City of Waynesboro on completing the Tunnel restoration and trail construction. This landmark will support economic development, tourism and active recreation for residents and visitors to the region.