News from the CSPDC Region
May 2021
National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month – an annual celebration to increase awareness and participation in bicycling, and showcase its many health and environmental benefits. This year, the League of American Bicyclists will be encouraging the pubic to bike ‘anywhere’ and document their ride by using #BikeThere. The Bike the Valley and RideShare programs, administered by the CSPDC, have created a digital social media campaign to bring public awareness to bicycling in our region. 
Ag. Enterprise Center Feasibility Study Final Presentation

The Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study is in final review and is scheduled to complete in May. The final report will include a financial analysis, building diagram, funding strategy, potential site inventory and operator RFI. On May 18, the final report will be presented virtually to stakeholders, local governments and the general public. More information on the study can be found on the project website.

Rural Attraction Roundtable: May 20 

The CSPDC is hosting a second Rural Attraction Roundtable meeting on May 20 to discuss regional teleworking trends and assess the opportunity and best strategies on how to attract remote workers. The Rural Attraction Roundtable will feature a presentation on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's National Remote Work Survey, an introduction to the state’s Telework!VA program, and an open discussion for regional stakeholders.
Broadband in the Region 

The CSPDC is providing grant administration support for two infrastructure building broadband projects to benefit the underserved areas of Rockbridge County, including the towns of Goshen and Glasgow. Both projects, a Virginia Telecommunication Initiate (VATI) grant and an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Grant, will total over $3M in funding and will help build strong, competitive communities within this region.

Bridgewater River Walk 

The Town of Bridgewater in Rockingham County recently completed construction on Phase I of its Riverwalk trail system. The Riverwalk is envisioned to connect all of the Town’s parks along the North River. Phase I built a trail between Seven Bridges and Edgebriar Parks, going under the Main Street (VA 42) bridge, a significant safety improvement for trail users.
On-Call Consultant Program

In May, the CSPDC plans to release a Request for Proposal to procure consultants for the On-Call Consultant program. Participating consultants are contracted with annual renewals for up to five years and have the option to reapply during the re-procuring process. New consultants will be contracted by January 2022. 

Open Funding Opportunities:
The CSPDC has developed a Grant Resource Guide containing regularly updated information on many of the federal and state grants available to our region. These grant resources are categorized by funding and project types. Current open opportunities include:
Due on a monthly rolling basis
The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model.

Due June 4, 2021
The USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Due June 30, 2021
DCR Trail Access Grant offers 100% reimbursement for trail improvements that increase access to existing trail opportunities for persons with disabilities. $128,000 available; awards range from $20,000-$50,000.

Due June 30, 2021
DCR Recreational Trails Program is an 80/20 match reimbursement program to construct or rehabilitate recreational trails and trail-related facilities with approximately $1.4 million available. 

Due July 12, 2021
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for the ARS program to create affordable homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income (LMI), first-time homebuyers.
The South River Science Team has released the first installment of their South River Currents video series, entitled Navigating Our Watershed. The video explores the many treasures and challenges located within the 234 square mile area that comprises the South River Watershed region within Waynesboro, and Augusta and Rockingham Counties. The South River Science Team was established in 2001 with the goal of reducing mercury levels in fish and promoting mercury remediation strategies in the South River Watershed region. 
CSPDC Resources: