News from the CSPDC Region
April 2021
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Approved by FEMA
The 2020 update of the Central Shenandoah Hazard Mitigation Plan (CSHMP) has been conditionally approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is pending adoption over the next few months by the jurisdictions in the Planning District. The CSHMP identifies hazards and vulnerabilities of the Region and mitigation strategies that can be implemented to make communities more resilient.
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GO VA Site Enhancement Project Approved
The GO Virginia State Board awarded the Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) $821,000 in GO Virginia funds to improve six sites in GO Virginia Region 8. The work to be performed will include Phase I environmental reviews, wetlands surveys, geotechnical subsurface evaluation, and characterization of each site for the Virginia Business Ready Sites Tier program.
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In the CSPDC region, the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham will receive a little over $36M based on population. The cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro will receive around $30M based on a modified CDBG grant formula. Unlike CARES funding, towns will receive their own allocation. The 11 towns in the CSPDC region are expected to receive over $21M in ARPA funding. Final amounts will be determined by the U.S. Department of Treasury when they issue their guidance.
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President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in early March. The $1.9 trillion relief bill provides direct assistance to state and local governments, along with billions of dollars for public health, vaccines, education, transportation, housing and more.
Allowable uses of funds for local governments include four broad categories: (1) responding to the COVID-19 public health crisis and its negative economic impacts to households, small businesses and nonprofits, and the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries; (2) providing premium pay to essential workers of local government and local employers; (3) providing assistance for government services due to revenue reductions; and (4) making necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
The U.S. Treasury Department will provide guidance, oversee and administer these payments to local governments and funds must be used by December 31, 2024. For more information on the American Rescue Plan Act, click here.
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Upcoming Important Meetings: |
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Pre-application due July 1, 2021
This program only opens every two years, with a TAP applicant workshop scheduled for April 14, 2021. Mandatory pre-application is due July 1, 2021, and final application is due October 1, 2021.
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April 29, 2021
The Commonwealth Transportation Board will conduct a series of virtual public meetings to give the public the opportunity to provide comments on projects and programs to be included in the Fiscal Year 2022-2027 Six-Year Improvement Program.
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Telework!VA Provides Telework Program Assistance |
Last fall the CSPDC worked with Telework!VA consultant, Robin Mack to host a staff retreat on the benefits, challenges, and best practices of teleworking. Ms. Mack surveyed staff and created a customized presentation for both employees and managers to better succeed in our new virtual workplace.
Robin Mack and the Telework!VA team are available to assist other organizations, businesses, and employers in the region create and implement a telework program. Contact RideShare or Telework!VA directly to set up a free webinar and learn more about the services available.
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Waynesboro Park & Ride Lot Expands
An expansion of the Town Center Park and Ride commuter lot in Waynesboro began construction the end of March and is scheduled to be complete in May of 2022. The $1 million project will increase parking capacity from 120 to about 175 spaces, install a bus stop with a covered shelter, and will repave and improve on-location lighting. Additional amenities include bicycle racks, sidewalks, landscaping, and infrastructure to accommodate future charging stations for electric vehicles.
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CTB Welcomes New Representative Mark Merrill
Governor Northam appointed Winchester resident Mark Merrill to the Commonwealth Transportation Board to represent the Staunton District, including our CSPDC region. Mr. Merrill replaces long-time CTB Member Dixon Whitworth, and is the recently-retired President and CEO of Winchester-based Valley Health System. He joined the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro MPO meeting in March to share updates on state-wide and regional transportation policies and projects, and to learn more about our local and regional priority transportation projects.
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