On September 16, the CSPDC launched a survey to collect data about the region’s food system, and how an Agricultural Enterprise Center could assist farmers and food businesses expand production and access new markets. Collected data will be used for the Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study that is expected to be completed in May 2021. Potential services offered by the Ag. Center include a commercial kitchen, food lab/testing kitchen, flash freeze facility, training space for smart-ag classes and seminars, a food hub that buys and sells local products, packaging and distribution operations, and business planning resources.

If you are a food business operator, farmer, or food buyer who may be interested in selling or purchasing local products through a food center, please fill out the survey by October 15.

To replace September’s Try Transit Week, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) launched a new statewide initiative, Transit Appreciation Month. This campaign is in response to COVID-19 and supports the changes that transit agencies across Virginia have made to keep passengers and bus operators and staff safe. Each week during October’s Transit Appreciation Month a different theme will highlight the innovative and perseverant spirit of public transportation during this challenging time. Themes will include transit agency options and initiatives, transit’s essential role in the community, safety measures and employees who have gone above and beyond to provide a safe rider experience. All transit agencies in Virginia, including BRITE Bus, are invited to participate.

On September 18, the Rockbridge Area Outdoor Partnership (RAOP) received a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service through its River, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA). The Rockbridge Area Outdoor Partnership, formally known as Braiding the Way, is a community initiative striving to enhance outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area. RAOP will utilize the technical assistance to develop a 5-year strategic plan, which will guide the Partnership as it pursues projects that prioritize community wellness, environmental stewardship and the local economy. This is RAOP’s second technical assistance grant from the National Park Service RTCA program. In 2018, RTCA facilitated the development of RAOP’s current strategic plan which concludes this December.

In July, the Virginia Breeze intercity bus resumed service in the Interstate 81 corridor between Christiansburg and Washington, D.C. This route now named “The Valley Flyer” includes stops in Lexington, Staunton and Harrisonburg enroute to Dulles Airport and Union Station. Concurrently the Virginia Breeze rolled out a new website, logo, branding and bus design along with two new routes – The Piedmont Express originating in Danville and the Capital Connector originating in Martinsville. Both new routes serve stops in communities as they travel to Washington, D.C.