News
I-81 Truck Parking Task Force
CSPDC staff continues to participate in Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) I-81 Truck Parking Task Force that is working to expand public and private truck parking facilities along I-81. The Task Force, formed in August 2020, is the result of a recommendation from the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan and is comprised of representatives from VDOT, DMV, private travel center owners, economic development authorities, trucking associations, and local and regional government and planning agencies. In 2021 the Task Force will focus on identifying ways to improve existing facilities and establish potential new facility locations. Contact Zach Beard at the CSPDC to provide input or receive additional information.
BRCC Cyber Security Jobs Program
In 2018, with the support of GO Virginia funds and the cities of Waynesboro and Harrisonburg, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) developed a non-credit cyber security workforce development program to help establish high-wage, high demand cyber security jobs in the region. Since the start of the program, five cohorts, totaling 69 students, have participated in cyber security credentialling classes and on-the-job training with private industry partners. To date, 36 students have been hired in the cyber security industry with 86% staying in the region. The average starting annual salary of those completing BRCC’s program was $49,500. GO Virginia supported the cost of instructors and class materials as BRCC established this very popular program which received 335 applications for enrollment. Because of the program’s success, Blue Ridge Community College will continue to offer the program through Virginia’s FastForward program.
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.