News from the CSPDC Region January 2022

Bath-Highland Network Authority Receives VATI Grant  In December, Governor Northam announced the allocation of $722 million to provide universal broadband infrastructure in 70 localities, which will close 90% of Virginia’s digital divide. The funding—from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) and the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—will support 35 projects. One of those projects is the Bath-Highland Network Authority 2022 Universal Broadband Project, which was awarded over $7 million. Complete Article

Sites Enhancement Project Progressing Over the last several months, the GO Virginia Region 8 Shenandoah Valley Sites Enhancement Project has been making quick progress in completing necessary due diligence on significant and attractive sites throughout the region. The project will expand our region’s capacity to attract new business investment by advancing the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Business Ready Tier level for sites located throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Complete Article

PDC Housing RFP Released  Applications for affordable housing developers seeking funds through the PDC Housing Development Program are now open. In July 2021, the CSPDC was awarded $2 million in funding to support the creation of new affordable housing units. Specifically, the CSPDC is positioned to provide gap funds toward the creation of at least 20 affordable units by July 1, 2024. Complete Article

Ag Innovation Center Receives GO Virginia Funds This December, the GO Virginia State Board awarded The Advancement Foundation a $550,000 Per Capita Grant for an Ag Innovation Center in downtown Buena Vista. The Advancement Foundation will repurpose a vacant industrial site into a multiuse manufacturing, business incubation, and product development facility. Complete Article

Local Government Day Scheduled for Feb 3

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) will hold its annual winter conference in Richmond on February 3. The annual event is held in conjunction with Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), Virginia Municipal League (VML) and Virginia Rural Center.   The event kicks off at noon with Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin invited to speak. In addition, VACo and VML staff will provide legislative reports on the major issues facing localities in the 2022 General Assembly Session. Attendees will spend the afternoon meeting and advocating their General Assembly representatives. More information and downloadable registration form available HERE, or click the link below to register online.  Register Online

CSPDC Staff Gives Back  Many organizations have “Casual Fridays,” a perk for employees to end the work week in more comfortable clothing. For CSPDC staff, the opportunity to wear jeans on Fridays is granted by making a small monetary contribution. The CSPDC’s “Jeans For Charity” Program for many years has made donations to help people throughout the Region and beyond. In 2021, staff were able to contribute over five hundred dollars ($500.00) in donations to a variety of organizations.  Complete Article

Paula Melester Hired as Regional Planner Paula is originally from Syracuse, New York and moved to Harrisonburg in 2007 where she fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley. She received her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication at James Madison University where she worked for 14 years. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, also at JMU. She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband and dog; and enjoys hiking, biking, and live music. Paula is looking forward to being able to work with community partners on transit and other programs to help connect the Valley.

The CSPDC has the following job opportunities: Finance Director - The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (“CSPDC”) seeks an experienced Finance Director to join our 16-member planning and leadership team. This senior-level position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for directing and supervising the fiscal operations of the agency.  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.  More Information

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