News from the CSPDC Region
September 2020
CSPDC Receives EDA CARES Act Funding

In August the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants totaling $1.6 million to four EDA Economic Development District organizations in Virginia, including the CSPDC. On behalf of the region, the CSPDC hosted Mr. Dana Gartzke, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Congressman Ben Cline, grant recipients, government officials and key stakeholders for an award announcement at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport on August 24.
CSPDC Publishes
A Year in Review

The CSPDC is pleased and proud to present to you the CSPDC's A Year in Review - FY2020. This report highlights the programs, projects, and events that took place over the past year. The CSPDC is committed to working with our local governments to find cost saving and effective solutions to the problems and challenges that our communities face. 

Shenandoah Valley Airport Receives EDA funding 

In June, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the investment of $2.1M to provide much needed infrastructure for the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD). This award was the result of application by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission with extensive coordination, research, and assistance from the CSPDC.  
Ag. Center Feasibility Study Kicks Off

CSPDC will be seeking input from farmers, stakeholders, buyers, and food aggregators for the Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study. The online survey will be available mid-September through mid-October and will be collecting information on current market trends, facility needs, distribution concerns, and more. Please go to our project website for more information and to participate in the survey. 

New User-Friendly RideShare Website 

RideShare, a program administered by the CSPDC in partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, has refreshed its website to be more user-friendly and include a new trip planning tool that maps out regional transportation options. RideShare provides commuters, employers, and single trip drivers with resources on carpools, vanpools, park and ride lots, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, and alternate modes of transportation such a biking, walking, and public transit.
Round 4 SMART SCALE Projects Submitted

On August 17, applicants in our region submitted 25 SMART SCALE applications for multimodal transportation projects. The CSPDC, HRMPO and SAWMPO, the cities of Harrisonburg and Waynesboro, Augusta and Rockingham Counties, and BRITE transit submitted projects for funding in the FY 2022 Six Year Improvement Program. SMART SCALE is a competitive grant funding program that evaluates and scores projects based on a set of five goal areas: safety, accessibility, congestion mitigation, economic development, and environmental preservation
Not Too Late to Take
the 2020 Census

2020 Census data collection will end on September 30th for both self-response and nonresponse follow up. To help ensure safety during this time, the 2020 Census can be taken from the safety of your own home online, by phone, or by mail.

Nearly 70% of Virginians have responded to the Census - leaving almost a third that have not yet responded. However, many counties and cities across the Commonwealth have exceeded their 2010 response rates. Check to see your localities progress
Rebuild VA Offers Small Business Assistance 

In August, the Commonwealth launched a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA. The program will provide grants of up to three times the applicant's average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000.
Virginia Breeze
Gears Back Up 

In July, the Virginia Breeze intercity bus resumed service in the Interstate 81 corridor between Christiansburg and Washington, D.C. This route now named “The Valley Flyer” includes stops in Lexington, Staunton and Harrisonburg enroute to Dulles Airport and Union Station.
QuickStart Mini-Grants Available

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released their Fall QuickStart Mini-grant application. These grants are $1,000 reimbursement grants that can be used to start and continue Safe Routes to School programs and activities that encourage safe walking and bicycling to school. Fall applications are due September 10 and October 8.
I-64 Statewide Improvement Program 

VDOT is studying the full Interstate 64 corridor in the Commonwealth, which is a similar scope and approach that the State has already taken on the I-81 and I-95 corridors. The Study will evaluate and prioritize operational needs, capital investments, and multi-modal solutions (transit, ridesharing, and rail) between Norfolk and the West Virginia state line.
CSPDC Resources: