Tag Archives: news

CSPDC Receives Virginia Housing Grant for Regional Data Dashboard

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The CSPDC has received a $50,000 Capacity Building Implementation Grant from Virginia Housing to develop an interactive regional data dashboard. The grant program supports organizations in enhancing their operations, processes, and resources to better serve their communities.

Developed in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the dashboard will build on findings from the Central Shenandoah Regional Housing Study to provide local governments, housing organizations, developers, and other regional partners with timely, accessible demographic, economic, and housing data. Key housing indicators will include housing age and type, occupancy, home values, tenure, and cost burden among renters and homeowners.

Through interactive visualizations, users will be able to compare data across localities and explore connections among income, age, housing tenure, affordability, and other factors.

By putting current, locally relevant information within easy reach, the dashboard will help regional partners better understand housing needs, prioritize investments, and build stronger applications for state and federal funding.

Data collection and analysis are expected to continue through fall 2026, with the dashboard scheduled for completion by early 2027. We look forward to sharing updates as the dashboard takes shape.

BRITE Transit Begins New Chapter with Resource Management Systems

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BRITE riders can expect the same dependable service, now with a fleet of new vehicles on the road. On July 1, Resource Management Systems (RMS) took over as BRITE’s turnkey operations and maintenance contractor, a transition CSPDC marked with fare-free rides for the entire week of June 29.

RMS was selected through an open and competitive procurement process, required of CSPDC as a recipient of federal and state funding. The Georgia-based provider brings more than 30 years of experience in public transportation, paratransit, and non-emergency medical transportation — including service to numerous rural counties and regional commissions across the Southeast — and will operate BRITE under a five-year base contract, with options to extend to nine years.

Visit www.britebus.org  to learn more about BRITE.

VDOT Holds Shenandoah Rail Trail Public Meetings in April

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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has published the Phase One Report from its Rail With Trail Assessment, and will host three public meetings along the corridor in April. The meeting locations are:

Timberville
Tuesday April 8, 5-7p.m. @ Plains District Community Center, Large multi-purpose room
233 McCauley Ave, Timberville, VA 22853

Front Royal
Thursday April 10, 5-7p.m. @ Warren County Government Center, Board of Supervisors room
220 N Commerce Ave # 100, Front Royal, VA 22630

Woodstock
Tuesday April 15, 5-7p.m. @ Peter Muhlenberg Middle School, Cafeteria
1251 Susan Ave, Woodstock, VA 22664

At the direction of the Secretary of Transportation, VDOT is evaluating the engineering requirements and costs of rail service and a trail adjacent to one another as an alternative to the previously-studied Shenandoah Rail Trail initiative. This Phase 1 (of 3) Report presents proposed typical sections for the rail-with-trail alternative, summarizes supporting stakeholder interviews, and documents relevant studies and guidance documents.

Anyone interested in the future of the rail corridor should attend and share their input. Alternately, please fill out VDOT’s online survey to provide your input online.

Lexington Completes Housing Assessment

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Summit Design and Engineering has presented the results of a city-wide Housing Conditions Study for Lexington to Threshold, Lexington’s Housing Commission. Funded by a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant, the Housing Conditions Study assessed the state of residential properties across the City.

Summit’s team conducted a windshield survey in late October, evaluating nearly 2,100 residential properties from the public right-of-way. Each property was rated on a scale from one (in good condition) to five (appearing dilapidated). The findings revealed that 72 properties scored a three or higher, indicating significant wear or neglect, with these properties spread throughout Lexington.

In addition to the windshield survey, the study gathered input from local staff, real estate professionals, residents, and housing advocates, along with demographic data. Some of the findings included a high vacancy rate of 21%, primarily due to second homes, and that 44% of households are considered cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on housing.

The study identified two main challenges: preserving and rehabilitating the current housing stock, and addressing barriers to new housing development. To tackle these issues, Summit recommended diversifying the housing stock and creating a targeted program to address the city’s most dilapidated properties.

This study is a critical step in advancing Lexington’s housing goals, as it helps to identify opportunities for revitalizing underused properties—a key solution highlighted in the CSPDC’s Regional Housing Study. With these insights in hand, the city can continue to build momentum toward improving housing conditions for all residents.

The full study is available on the Threshold Housing Commission’s webpage: : https://www.lexingtonva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/threshold.

2025 Transportation Alternatives Program

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The Transportation Alternatives (TA) program is a federal reimbursement transportation grant funding program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and provides 80 percent match funding for transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safe routes to schools, conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails, and historic transportation facility preservation. Applicants must submit a pre-application by June 2, and the final application by August 15, 2025. VDOT will announce the selection of projects in June 2026.

CSPDC staff members are available to assist localities with project development and application submission. Contact Program Manager Zach Beard for assistance at 540-885-5174 or by email here.

DCR Presents Virginia Outdoors Plan to Rockbridge Outdoors

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Allison Tillett and Kristal McKelvey from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) met with Rockbridge Outdoors on March 20th to present the newly updated Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP).

The VOP serves as a guiding framework for communities across the Commonwealth, helping them connect residents with their most desired outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting the natural and scenic resources that enhance quality of life. The plan outlines Virginia’s strategies, priorities, and planned actions, ensuring the state remains eligible for apportionment funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The VOP is now available online in an interactive format for the first time.

Often referred to as the “gateway to funding,” the VOP is essential for accessing LWCF grants. Currently, Virginia has 414 parks protected through LWCF funding, including six parks in Rockbridge County. DCR representatives also highlighted the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which is currently accepting applications for maintenance projects. This program offers $1.5 million in funding with an 80/20 match requirement, making it a valuable resource for local trail improvements.

Kristina Ramsey, Chair of Rockbridge Outdoors, shared her thoughts on the VOP Presentation: “It was a pleasure to host DCR to share the new Virginia Outdoors Plan with our partners. The new interactive format and clear funding pathways will make it easier for Rockbridge Outdoors and our partners to utilize it and align our efforts with the state’s priorities for outdoor recreation.”

Click here to view the Virginia Outdoors Plan and available funding opportunities.

Rockbridge Outdoors is a partnership of organizations committed to making the Rockbridge area an ideal destination for outdoor recreation. The CSPDC continues to provide administrative support to Rockbridge Outdoors. For more information, please contact Philippe Bone at 540-885-5174 or by email here.

2024 Afton Express Annual Report Released

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CSPDC is pleased to release the 2024 Afton Express Annual Report. This report highlights Afton Express performance metrics, milestones, and shares the results of the annual rider survey.

CSPDC transit staff surveyed riders from December 2024 to January 2025, and asked questions about their riding history, habits, and experiences. CSPDC staff encourages all members of the public to take the survey so they can gain insight into barriers to access, schedule preferences, and other data that can help guide service decisions.

We are proud to share that there was a 16% increase in ridership from 2023 to 2024, with a record number of 19,146 passenger trips in 2024.

CSPDC staff are excited about the ridership and the community that has been cultivated by this service and will continue to work diligently to meet the commuter needs of the BRITE service area.

The Afton Express Annual Survey is available here.

Commonwealth Transportation Board Member Visits the Region

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In March 2025, the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham MPO (HRMPO) welcomed the region’s new Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) member Mr. John Good. Locality members from each MPO had the opportunity to share transportation needs and priorities in the region with the area’s newest CTB member. The 17-member CTB oversees transportation funding, statewide planning, project selection, and other initiatives in Virginia.

Mr. Good is a resident of Frederick County and is the treasurer of Shockey Management Company, which is a general contractor and an owner/developer/redeveloper of industrial real estate. Mr. Good grew up on a beef cattle and crop farm in Frederick County and holds a degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech. Mr. Good was appointed for a term of four years beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2028, succeeding Mark Merrill.