News
New User-Friendly RideShare Website
RideShare, a program administered by the CSPDC in partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, has refreshed its website to be more user-friendly and include a new trip planning tool that maps out regional transportation options. RideShare provides commuters, employers, and single trip drivers with resources on carpools, vanpools, park and ride lots, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, and alternate modes of transportation such a biking, walking, and public transit. Together the new information-packed website and the RideShare – Rides & Rewards app, help reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility, and incentivize cost saving alternate modes of transportation throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia.
Rebuild VA offers Small Business Assistance
In August, the Commonwealth launched a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA. The program will provide grants of up to three times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000.
These grants are aimed at assisting small businesses and nonprofits that have faced economic distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible entities include restaurant and beverage service, non-essential retail, exercise and fitness, personal care and personal grooming, entertainment and public amusement, private campgrounds and overnight summer camps.
This statewide program is capitalized with $70 million, which means it will be able to assist approximately 7,000 businesses. Half of the proceeds will be directed toward small businesses and nonprofits located in economically disadvantaged areas, including ensuring adequate representation of women-owned and minority-owned businesses.
Dixon Whitworth Retires from CTB
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) and the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) wishes to express their sincere appreciation for Mr. F. Dixon Whitworth, Jr., for steadfast leadership and dedicated services to the MPOs, and to the people of the region, shown during his term on the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). Mr. Whitworth, a Shenandoah Valley native, was elected as the CTB’s Vice Chairman last year, having been on the Board since 2012, serving as its Staunton District representative.
VAPDC Summer Series
The statewide Planning District Commission organization (VAPDC) offered an online Summer Series on four Thursdays in July in place of the canceled two-day summer conference. Topics included “The Other Side of COVID-19,” “Travel, Tourism and Leisure,” and “Transportation and Mobility Reimagined.” The last of the series, “Virginia’s PDC’s Regional Responses and Resources,” is scheduled for Thursday, July 30. Registration is required to participate.
Ann Cundy Elected Chair of VAMPO
The Virginia Association of MPOs (VAMPO) elected Ann Cundy, CSPDC Director of Transportation, as its new Chair on June 23, 2020. The General Assembly established VAMPO in 2009 to provide education, information, and opportunities for cooperation among Virginia’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and among state, federal and community officials. Ms. Cundy will serve as Chair for two years.