News from the CSPDC Region
April 2020
Have You Completed the 2020 Census?

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will be counting every person living in the 50 states and 5 U.S. territories. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public awareness events scheduled to occur across the nation on Census Day, April 1, were canceled. By telling the Census Bureau where you lived as of April 1, you will help determine how $675 billion dollars in federal funding flows into communities every year for the next decade. Help spread the word about the importance of taking the 10-minute Census questionnaire! It can be taken by phone, by mail or, for the first time, on-line.
BRITE Bus Offers
Fare-Free Service

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, BRITE Bus is offering fare-free service on all fixed and paratransit routes. BRITE Bus hopes this decision will help alleviate some financial burden on its ridership, including community personnel who use BRITE to get to and from work, during this time of uncertainty. Up-to-date service and operational changes, including social distancing standards, will continue to be posted on the BRITE Bus website and related social media outlets. 
GO Virginia Approves Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study  
The CSPDC recently received a GO Virginia Enhanced Capacity Building grant to conduct an Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study. The GO Virginia Region 8 Council approved the proposal in January and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development administratively approved the grant in March.  
Fields of Gold Members Assist Our Region

During this uncertain time, people in our region are coming together and doing some great things for their neighbors and communities. For the first time, many Fields of Gold member restaurants, farms, and producers are offering curb-side service/pick-up, at-home delivery, and online ordering to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
WIP III Stakeholders Exchange Information

On March 18, 2020 the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) stakeholder meeting was conducted by conference call to discuss the CSPDC’s scope of work for 2020, specific deliverables, WIP education materials, and BMP trainings and funding opportunities.

Bath County Housing Needs Assessment Complete 

The Bath County Housing Needs Assessment & Market Analysis Study conducted by economic development firm, Camoin 310, was completed in March. The study analyzed data, engaged stakeholders and the public, and identified strategies the County can employ to address Bath County’s challenge to provide housing to its workforce, a concern faced by many rural communities.
VATI Input Sessions
Hosted Online  

On April 14 and 23, 2020, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will host two webinar input sessions to discuss the proposed FY2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative program guidelines and criteria. Representatives from units of local government, internet service providers, interested stakeholders, and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
  
CDBG Resources
in Response to COVID-19

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making available current CDBG funding to small cities, towns and rural counties to respond to local needs related to COVID-19 response.
BARC Increases
Internet Access in Rockbridge County

BARC Connects has opened up wireless hotspots at four different Rockbridge County Public School parking lots: Mountain View Elementary, Fairfield Elementary, Natural Bridge Elementary, and Rockbridge County High School.  
CANCELED Events:
March 15-18, 2020

March 30-April 1, 2020

Spring CERT Training
April 2-May 14, 2020

April 7, 2020

SAW Walk and Bike Summit
May 1, 2020

GO Virginia Region 8 Council Meeting
May 5, 2020

Postponed until August 9-11, 2020
COVID-19 Community Resources
Chamber of Commerce

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

S henandoah Valley Partnership
CSPDC Resources:
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, employees of the CSPDC have been teleworking from home. While we practice social distancing, the CSPDC is still working hard on community projects and services to benefit our region.