CSPDC Co-Hosting USDA-RD Programs Showcase 

The CSPDC is co-hosting a USDA-Rural Development Programs Showcase on April 19 from 9am-12:30pm at the Virginia Horse Center in Rockbridge County. At the event, USDA-RD will provide an informative overview of their programs, including loans and grants, that help to improve economic prosperity for the families and businesses in the Central Shenandoah Region. USDA-RD will provide presentations and one-on-one networking with specialty experts in the fields of rural business, community facilities, water and environmental programs, single family housing, and telecommunications.

BRITE Transit Facility to Host Paratransit Roadeo

The 2023 Paratransit Roadeo will take place at the BRITE Transit Facility on Saturday, April 29. Hosted by the Community Transportation Association of Virginia (CTAV), the Paratransit Roadeo draws drivers from around the Commonwealth to compete for top scores on a course that tests skills on every level of the drivers’ abilities, with a primary focus on safe operations and passenger sensitivity. There are two divisions for the Roadeo, both compete against other operators in their division. There are safety quiz, pre-trip inspection, and wheelchair securement portions of both divisions: Body on Chassis and Mini Van.

CSPDC Bids Farewell to Rebecca Joyce

Rebecca Joyce, Community Program Manager, resigned from the CSPDC last month. Rebecca joined the PDC in 1997 and began working with the Town of Glasgow on one of the largest flood mitigation projects in the state at that time where 56 homes were removed from the floodplain through acquisition and elevation. Over the next few years, and following Hurricanes Isabel and Fran, Rebecca worked in Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Waynesboro, Goshen, Port Republic, and Rockingham County on a number of flood mitigation projects again helping hundreds of families rebuild their lives and protect their properties.

VDOT Six-Year Improvement Program Open House Set

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is conducting a spring meeting to allow the public to comment on transportation projects recommended for funding in the Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). The Staunton District’s in-person meeting will be on Wednesday, May 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College’s Plecker Center for Continuing Education. Individuals are encouraged to submit comments online until May 24, 2023.

Public Comment on BRCC Shuttle Schedule Change

Starting in June the hours on the BRCC Shuttle North and South routes will be reduced in the evening. Historically, the route served Blue Ridge Community College students commuting to the campus in Weyers Cave for classes. With greater opportunities for virtual learning and the shift toward more online courses, traffic to campus in the late evening has reduced significantly. 

Chessie Trail Named to USA Today Top Trails List

USA Today recently announced their 2023 list of America’s Top 10 Recreational Trails, with Lexington's Chessie Trail snagging the #3 spot. After being nominated by a panel of experts, the trail was entered into a readers’ choice election and placed third overall. The 7-mile rail-trail was noted for its scenic location in proximity to the Maury River, and access to both canal towpaths and the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad bed.

City of Buena Vista Holds Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Workshop

In 2021, the City of Buena Vista applied for a Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning assistance program grant to help grow its outdoor recreation economy and revitalize its Main Street. The city was one of 25 communities across the nation to receive this technical assistance award sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the USDA Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

On April 4-5, 2023, the City of Buena Vista hosted a workshop, where local stakeholders came together with city officials, regional, state, and federal partners, and the RERC planning assistance team to develop action plans to strengthen their downtown and their outdoor recreation sectors.

Public Comment Period on 2045 LRTP Opens Soon

Using data on where deficiencies in the transportation system exist today, where residential growth and development in the region will occur tomorrow, as well as community feedback on the vision for the region’s transportation system, the Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) has developed its draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Input from a record number of community members over the past year has shaped the draft 2045 LRTP, which includes 55 transportation projects across the MPO region.

The public comment period for the draft 2045 LRTP opens on April 20, 2023. HRMPO will be accepting comments and feedback until May 18, 2023.

CSPDC Job Opportunities

Planner I/Planner II - This position provides planning services for localities which may include a broad range of services such as economic development, transportation, transit, environmental, emergency management, housing, recreation, and capacity building.

Program Specialist - This position provides program and grant administration support and fiscal support to the finance team, and providing general program support across the agency.