FEMA Approves CSPDC Funding for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

On January 25 the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) notified the CSPDC of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval decision to source a significant portion of the Central Shenandoah Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan (CSHMP) update. The CSHMP update cost estimate is $140,000. FEMA will provide 75% in funding, the State will source a 20% match, and the CSPDC will furnish the remaining 5% cost-share requirement.

Feedback Sought for Small Area Study

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) is developing a Small Area Study along Dinkel Avenue/Friedens Church Road from I-81 to Main St. in Bridgewater to identify the needs of the corridor and its future growth.

Share your feedback and let us know your concerns and visions for the future of Dinkel Ave. The survey is open through February 23rd at the link below or visit the HRMPO website to learn more.

Augusta County to Receive Virginia Brownfields Assistance Funds

Augusta County will receive $50,000 in Virginia Brownfields Assistance Funds (VBAF) through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for the Afton Mountain Renaissance project. These funds will allow the County to complete a water and wastewater assessment of the property located at the intersection of U.S. Route 250 and I-64 atop Afton Mountain. 

2023 Facts & Figures Published

One of the CSPDC’s roles in economic development is to be a resource for data about the region and the PDC’s localities. To help support this important function, the CSPDC creates and distributes Facts & Figures, an easy-to-read snapshot of each sub-region’s people, jobs, schools, and other unique attributes. The 2023 Facts & Figures documents are now available on the CSPDC website.

2023 Population Estimates Released

The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center released its official population estimates for Virginia counties and independent cities this January. The Weldon Cooper Center’s estimates provide an accurate approximation of a locality’s population count on July 1st, 2023. Government agencies use this data for funding allocations, planning, and budgeting purposes.

The CSPDC’s 2023 population estimate is 310,528. From the prior year, the region’s population grew by 1,740 people or 0.6%. Since the 2020 Census, the City of Harrisonburg experienced the greatest growth.

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.

Highland County Chosen for Economic Recovery Corps Fellowship

Highland County was one of 65 communities in the country selected as a host community for an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellowship. Led by the International Economic Development Council, the ERC program builds capacity in economically distressed areas across the U.S by placing a dedicated fellow — fully funded for two and a half years — in local communities to support and strengthen ongoing economic development efforts.

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.

2024 Virginia Agritourism Conference: Exploring the Valley

Virginia’s Agritourism Producers are holding an educational conference Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center to explore ways of partnership and working together.

More information, conference agenda, and registration available at the link below.

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. 

CSPDC Recognizes New Commissioners

Ms. Leila Longcor – Rockingham County

Ms. Longcor is a longtime Shenandoah Valley realtor, a Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership Board Member, and a member of the Rockingham County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee. 

Tyson Cooper – City of Buena Vista

Mr. Cooper was elected as Mayor in 2023 and has served on City Council since 2017. Previously, he served on the City’s Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority. Mr. Cooper has been on the board of the local Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in small business development efforts in the city.

Henry Budzinski – Highland County

Mr. Budzinski was appointed to the CSPDC Commission to represent Highland County. Mr. Budzinski is a semi-retired contractor and engineer who moved to the Back Creek area of Highland with his wife 22 years ago. The couple has a son who lives in Highland and a daughter in college in West Virginia.

CSPDC Welcomes New Finanace Director

Donnie Kern joined the CSPDC Team as their Finance Director on January 16, 2024. Donnie’s scholastic background spans earning an undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Radford University and a Master of Science in Accounting degree at Liberty University. 

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