News
CSPDC Makes Progress Toward Renovation of the Lewis Street Transit Hub
The Lewis Street Transit Hub rehabilitation project is well underway. Looking at the hub today it might appear that nothing is happening – but in the background the CSPDC project team has been working hard to bring this project to life.
The team completed the engineering phase of the project at the end of 2023, and CSPDC issued an Invitation to Bid in late January. While awaiting bids from prospective contractors, CSPDC staff worked with the City of Staunton to identify a location for BRITE buses to temporarily hub while the Lewis Street lot is unavailable during construction. Finding a location that is accessible to passengers who use a wheelchair or mobility device and that allows all passengers to board and alight safely was critical.
In early March, CSPDC staff hosted a live bid opening. In the coming weeks, the project team will ensure the bids submitted are complete and competitive and hope to announce the award of a contract by the end of March.
Construction is expected to begin in April and should last approximately four months. When complete, the renovated transit hub will be a tremendous asset to the BRITE Bus system and Downtown Staunton.
Town of Glasgow Adopts Update to Comprehensive Plan
On February 13, 2024, Glasgow Town Council adopted the 2024 update to the Town of Glasgow Comprehensive Plan. The town is required to prepare, adopt, and regularly update the comprehensive plan for the purpose of guiding current and future development. The 2024 update to the comprehensive plan was prepared by the Glasgow Planning Commission, with technical assistance from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.
The planning process spanned 14 months, beginning in October 2022 and concluding in November 2023. During that time, the Planning Commission and CSPDC conducted extensive research on local and regional demographics, economic metrics, physical and natural features, transportation demands, and housing needs. Glasgow residents were encouraged to provide input through participation in the Glasgow Community Survey, from April 2023 to June 2023. Town Council and the Planning Commission also held a joint public hearing to consider public input and adoption of the comprehensive plan update on January 9, 2024. Local stakeholders are currently seeking opportunities to implement recommendations presented in the updated comprehensive plan.
ARC READY Local Governments Program Initiated in January 2024
On January 19, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) launched the READY Local Governments program as one of their READY Appalachia capacity-building initiatives. The READY Local Governments funding provides no-cost training to assist local government representatives with identifying, securing, managing, and implementing federally sourced projects. The kick-off announcement included a Notice of Solicitation of Applicants to guide potential participants that can be viewed HERE.
No match is required for this virtual, nine-week program scheduled to begin in spring 2024. Interested parties can apply for the initial READY Local Government training program through February 29th. Course capacity is limited to 180 local government officials, with no more than two representatives per community.
To further assist communities, local governments are eligible for up to $50K in funding to initiate in-house capacity-building projects after completing the training program. No match is required. For more information on the READY Local Governments program, visit this ARC webpage.
CSPDC Commission Endorses Rockbridge Airport Feasibility Study Application
Following a presentation by former Rockbridge County Supervisor Buster Lewis, the Commissioners endorsed a Resolution of Support for the Rockbridge Region General Aviation Airport Feasibility Study at the February 5, 2024 meeting. The Rockbridge region is exploring the possibility of a General Aviation Airport in the area. The Virginia Department of Aviation and the Federal Aviation Administration can partially fund a feasibility study, which, in turn, would provide for an in-depth analysis of the potential project, a market condition analysis, an in-depth look at competition, and recommendations for a site. CSPDC will assist Rockbridge County, the City of Buena Vista, and the City of Lexington, with this initiative by applying for state and federal funding to conduct a feasibility study and administering the planning grant(s), if awarded.
CSPDC Regional Planner Completes Commuter Choice Certificate Program
Paula Melester, a Regional Planner on the CSPDC’s Transportation Team recently completed the Commuter Choice Certificate Program.
The Commuter Choice Certificate program, offered through the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida, is a prominent professional development program in the field of sustainable transportation. This comprehensive program takes two years to complete, with each participant required to earn 80 credits through synchronous and asynchronous online courses, homework assignments, and educational webinars. The program equips participants with specialized knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing the complex challenges of urban mobility. Through a carefully curated curriculum, participants delve into topics such as alternative transportation modes, transit-oriented development, congestion mitigation strategies, and policy advocacy. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications, the program empowers individuals like Paula to become catalysts for positive change in their communities, promoting environmentally friendly and equitable transportation options that enhance the quality of life for all.
Paula will use this experience in her work on transportation and transit projects within the CSPDC region – particularly in her role as the Transportation Demand Management Coordinator for the region’s RideShare Commuter Assistance Program.