News from the CSPDC Region

March 2023

Highland Inn Receives Brownfields Grant

Governor Youngkin announced last week that Highland County was one of four communities in the state to receive a Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) grant. The $341,586 award will support the revitalization of the Highland Inn.


Located on Main Street in Monterey, the Highland Inn is part of Highland County’s economic development strategy to increase tourism through retreat conferences and cultural events.

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Commission Adopts Transit Development Plan

The CSPDC Board of Commissioners adopted the BRITE Transit Development Plan (TDP) at their February 6, 2023 meeting. TDPs are required by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and serve as a multi-year planning document that provides direction for a transit system and its community partners. The planning process identifies transit needs, develops potential improvements to meet those needs, prioritizes the potential improvements, and identifies the resources needed to implement the projects chosen for the planning period.

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Work Begins on Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation

The CSPDC is making progress on the Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation project. The Lewis Street Hub is located at 240 N. Lewis Street in downtown Staunton and currently serves the BRITE Bus transit system as a central hub and transfer location for multiple BRITE Bus routes. The lot is also used by the City of Staunton to provide free parking to downtown visitors. Lot conditions have deteriorated over time due to regular wear and tear from daily bus traffic. In March of 2022, the CSPDC was awarded a 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

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Farm2Fork Affair Returns March 14

Farm2Fork Affair is a one-day connector event between Shenandoah Valley farmers, producers and commercial buyers throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The event provides Shenandoah Valley producers an opportunity to directly promote their products, network, and increase sales. Producers, farmers, makers, wineries and distilleries take time to talk with buyers, offer samples, and educate buyers about their products. Through this event, buyers can taste the flavor of the Shenandoah Valley, experience the region firsthand, create new supplier partnerships, and discover its significant impact on local food systems.

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CDBG How to Apply Workshop

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will hold a How-to-Apply workshop for the 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. The virtual webinar will provide information on applying for 2023 CDBG funding, important deadlines, and best practices for developing CDBG projects.  The workshop is free, but you must register by March 17.


The goal of the CDBG program is to eliminate blight and to benefit low- and moderate- income families.

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33rd Annual Environment Virginia Symposium

The Environment Virginia Symposium will be held March 28-30 at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and is hosted by Virginia Environmental Endowment, and the Virginia Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Forestry (DOF), Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and Wildlife Resources (DWR).


This symposium is the Commonwealth’s premier environmental conference which brings together environmental professionals throughout Virginia from all sectors: government, non-profits, academia, and industry.

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Town of Mount Crawford Adopts Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Mount Crawford, Rockingham County’s smallest and oldest originally chartered town, adopted a new Comprehensive Plan on March 13. The Plan identifies goals, strategies, and action items to address community growth, improve existing infrastructure and historic resources, advance the development of new community spaces and parks, and maintain fiscal responsibility.


CSPDC staff assisted the Town’s staff and Planning Commission with developing the Plan, and facilitated two phases of public engagement. The first public survey yielded over 100 responses in a Town of 439 people.

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USDA-RD Programs Showcase Scheduled

In partnership with USDA-Rural Development, the CSPDC will be hosting a USDA-RD Programs Showcase presentation on Wednesday, 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. 

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GO Virginia Region 8 Wants to Hear from You

GO Virginia Region 8 will be hosting three project development sessions during April, two in the CSPDC region. The sessions will explore the GO Virginia grant process and upcoming funding opportunities while brainstorming regional needs and potential projects. Registration information will be posted on the GO Virginia Region 8 website soon.

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CSPDC Recognizes New Commissioner

Ms. Alidia Vane was appointed to the CSPDC Commission to represent the County of Augusta. Ms. Vane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from New York University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College. Prior to her position as Planner for Augusta County, she was the Director of the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.

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.


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