BRITE Title VI Plan – Open for Public Comment

BRITE Bus and the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) hereby release for public comment the BRITE Title VI Plan. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures that no one shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance due to their race, color, or national origin.

The draft Title VI Plan can be reviewed online: Title VI Plan (DRAFT)

SAWMPO Intersection Safety Study Nearing Completion 

The SAWMPO is completing a safety analysis of six intersections in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro. The intersections are: Churchville Avenue/Thornrose Drive and Coalter Street/Statler Boulevard in Staunton; Laurel Hill Road/US 11 and Laurel Hill Road/I-81 Exit 227 northbound ramps in Augusta County; and Delphine Avenue/I-64 Exit 96 westbound ramps, and Delphine Avenue/Windsor Road in Waynesboro. 

Housing Partner Spotlight: Foley Road Efficiencies

The PDC Housing Development Program, a $2 million pilot program through Virginia Housing that provides gap funds to affordable housing developers in need of additional capital, will soon reach its two-year milestone. To date, the seven developers who received an award through the program have accessed just over 50% of obligated funds, totaling more than $800,000 in grant funds.

MGCC Wilson Workforce Center Project in Buena Vista

CSPDC representatives are supporting Buena Vista efforts to secure a $1M DHCD Community Economic Development program grant to leverage other funding sources to renovate the former Courtesy Ford dealership building in BV’s designated Opportunity Zone. The approximately $5.3M+ project will transform the 18,750 square foot facility into the Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) Wilson Workforce Development Center. 

Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership Holds 10 Community Meetings

Between February and April 2023, the Shenandoah Rail Trail Rail Partnership conducted a series of 10 community meetings to inform and engage the public about the Shenandoah Rail Trail. The proposed trail would convert an unused rail corridor between Broadway and Front Royal into a 48.5-mile multi-use trail running through nine towns, three counties, and near numerous schools, businesses and cultural resources.

Goshen Applies for CDBG Grant for Community Service Facility

On June 1, the Town of Goshen applied for a Community Improvement Grant under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. If awarded, the grant would provide $1,250,000 to support the development of a multi-purpose community service facility in Goshen. The Town envisions that the facility will significantly improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof.

Discover Transit in June

BRITE Bus and the Afton Express are joining the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) in celebrating transit during the month of June. The “Discover Transit” campaign sponsored by DRPT runs from mid-April to June 2023, and highlights the many public transit options riders have throughout the Commonwealth. Locally, we are proud to promote our very own BRITE Bus system which serves the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and Augusta County, with a small footprint in southern Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg by way of the Blue Ridge Community College Shuttle. Also in the Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro region is the Afton Express – our commuter bus connecting the Valley with Charlottesville and Albemarle County via the I-64 corridor. 

Shenandoah Valley Aviation Technology Park Hangars Near Completion

Construction of the first two corporate hangars in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport’s (SHD) Aviation Technology Park is nearly complete. Occupancy is expected in July. SHD was awarded funds through a USDA Rural Development loan and a $2 million Economic Development Administration matching grant to construct the two hangars and associated office space. Each hangar is 14,000 square feet. Related improvements included road and taxiway access, parking, and site work. The project is anticipated to generate 50-75 high-paying jobs.

SHD also was awarded funding through GO Virginia to further develop the Aviation Technology Park. To construct future hangars, sewer and water utilities need to be relocated from the middle of the 58-acre site to its perimeter.

CTB to Consider Six-Year Improvement Program

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will consider approving the FY2024-2029 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) at the June CTB meeting. The SYIP allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation projects, and the public can search projects and costs on VDOT’s SYIP website.

Steve Bolster Joins CSPDC

Steve Bolster joins the CSPDC as their newest regional planner. He began serving with the CSPDC team on May 22nd. Steve previously served as the Rockbridge County Fiscal Services Director for over 10 years. He completed his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Touro University International. Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Management from Mount Olive College.

Register for the VAPDC Summer Conference  

Join us in Norfolk, VA for the VAPDC Summer Conference at Hilton Norfolk The Main. Session topics include:

• Affordable Housing
• Transportation
• Broadband and more

...with a strategic funding twist to all!

Keynote speakers include:

• Stephen Edwards, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority
• Ted Mercer, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority

State Trails Office Wants Your Feedback

Share your input on Virginia’s trail system! The State Office of Trails is a new office, and has released this short survey to learn more about current and future trail networks from stakeholders across the state.

The Office of Trails aims to improve statewide trail connectivity and accessibility, and ensure equity and geographic diversity in the process of trail development and implementation. The Office hopes to engage with stakeholders involved in trail development, as well as Virginia residents that frequent trail assets.

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