News from the CSPDC Region
January 2021
Project Impact
Calendars Available

The 2021 Shenandoah Valley Project Impact Preparedness Calendar is now available for pick-up at local government buildings and libraries or by contacting the CSPDC. Since 2000, the publication has contained preparedness tips and mitigation strategies for dealing with severe weather, emergencies and disasters, as well as fun holidays for each day of the year. This year, local historian, Nancy Sorrells curated the monthly images from a combination of historic photographs and her personal collection. Each image is accompanied by a detailed caption that helps tell the tale of the central Shenandoah Valley. 
VAPDC Launches
Winter Series 

To kick off the new year, the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) is hosting a series of virtual educational and informational meetings to be held on January 8, February 5 and March 5 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Topics include Gearing up for the Virginia General Assembly, February Friday with the Fed and Marching Forward; public health restrictions during COVID-19. Registration is required to participate.

CTB Approves Funding
for Afton Express 

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has awarded funding for two years of operations of the Afton Express transit service which will connect Staunton, Fishersville, Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County. The planned service will include four morning and four evening trips Monday through Friday...
 
Community Friendly Lighting Webinar

The Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley with support from the CSPDC is hosting a free webinar on outdoor lighting technology on Wednesday, January 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Bob Parks, founder of Smart Outdoor Lighting Alliance will lead the discussion and show new approaches to using lighting as a tool within our communities.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Opens
to the Public

The Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel officially opened to the public on November 21, 2020. After patiently waiting to walk the trail and explore the engineering marvel, visitors arrived in droves. Trail counters installed by City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation recorded over 8,500 visitors in the first week, 6,500 of whom parked at the eastern trailhead.  

The Highland Inn Receives Brownfields Grant

In October, 2020, the CSPDC and Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) staff toured and received an update on construction of the renovation project at the historic Highland Inn in Highland County. In June, 2020 the CSPDC assisted the Blue Grass Resource Center in applying for a $50,000 DEQ Brownfields Grant for the Highland Inn’s restoration project.
In Memoriam of
Russ Potter

It is with sadness that the Commission delivers the news of the death of a former, long-time employee, Russell “Russ” Potter who passed away on November 18, 2020. Russ was an employee with the CSPDC beginning as a Press Operator and then became a Graphics Technician from December 1971 until his retirement in November 2012. Russ attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, served three years in the U.S. Army, and was an avid stamp collector.
Local Government Day: January 28

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC), Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), Virginia Municipal League (VML) and the Virginia Rural Center (VRC) will join forces again this year to advocate for local governments at the 2021 General Assembly session held on Local Government Day, Thursday, January 28. Governor Ralph Northam will address participants and share how his legislative agenda will strengthen Virginia's communities. Other legislators will also be joining this discussion. Registration required.
CSPDC Resources: