Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission News
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Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Commission Hosts 50th Anniversary Celebration
On Thursday, November 14th, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission hosted their 50th Anniversary Celebration. The dinner was attended by Commissioners, Staff, and their families, and representatives of partner organizations.

The Regional Commission would like to take this opportunity to thank our 11-member governments, various stakeholders and the citizens of the region for their continued support over the years.

Follow this link to view a slideshow of the Regional Commission throughout the years.
2018-19 Annual Report Released
The Regional Commission is pleased to present its 2018-19 Annual Report. Read how the Commission works to improve our region in the areas of economic/community development, rural and urban transportation, the environment and more.

Copies of the report are available at the Commission office or can be found online HERE
RVTPO Reviews STBG Funding Requests
The Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization (RVTPO) administers the region’s Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding program which provides approximately $5million/year for transportation improvements in the RVTPO region. In September, the RVTPO received 13 new funding requests:

  • Botetourt County - Route 220 Superstreet and Access Management - ($924,000)
  • GRTC - New Downtown Transit Transfer Center - Real-time Transit Passenger Information (RTPI) Project - ($400,000)
  • City of Roanoke - Aviation Drive / Valley View Blvd Pedestrian Improvements ($2,513,437)
  • City of Roanoke - Greenway Connection – Riverland Road ($1,198,410 )
  • City of Roanoke - Roanoke River Greenway - East ( $835,000 )
  • Roanoke County - Route 419 Streetscape Improvements, Phase 2 (Starkey Rd. to Ogden Rd.) - ($1,505,438)
  • Roanoke County - Oak Grove Streetscape Improvements - ($216,748)
  • Roanoke County - Ogden Road Multimodal Improvements Scoping - ($80,000)
  • Roanoke County - Old Cave Spring Road Intersection Improvements - ($2,861,756)
  • Roanoke County - Orange Market Park and Ride/Parking Lot Improvements - ($343,573)
  • Roanoke County - Valleypointe Parkway Realignment - ($5,352,108)
  • Town of Vinton - Glade Creek Greenway Phase 3 Engineering Study and Design Plans, 2022 - ($144,442.50)
  • Town of Vinton - Gus Nicks Boulevard Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing, 2021 - ($169,650)

The RVTPO Policy Board is reviewing these funding requests along with the needs of currently funded STBG projects; a draft investment plan is expected to be available for public input in early 2020. The Policy Board will be approving transportation project investments in the spring 2020. More information about the STBG program may be found online at rvarc.org/stbg.
McAfee Knob Shuttle Survey Closing Soon
Have you had a chance to take our survey about the idea of a shuttle service to McAfee Knob? Time is running out! The survey will close on December 15th – this Sunday.

McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots in the Roanoke Valley, receiving thousands of visitors every year.The Virginia Department of Transportation is working with the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club to install a pedestrian bridge across Route 311, a busy roadway which separates the trailhead parking lot from the trail to the McAfee Knob peak. This project will reduce parking spaces during construction, but will ultimately protect your safety. We’re not expecting long-term parking impacts at this time, but construction will take nine to twelve months. It is anticipated that construction will start in 2023.

As part of this project, the Roanoke Valley – Alleghany Regional Commission is reaching out to collect information about how you learned about McAfee Knob. We’re also looking at alternative ways to help you reach the trailhead during construction.

You can take the survey and help inform this process. Thanks in advance for your help!
RVTPO Releases State of Transportation Report
On behalf of the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization, RVARC staff have published a State of Transportation for the Roanoke Valley report which details the current status of various facets of the regional multimodal transportation system. Download the report HERE or find it online at rvarc.org/plans-and-studies.
Valley to Valley Trail Planning Efforts Continue
The Roanoke Valley – Alleghany Regional Commission continues to work with the New River Valley Regional Commission, VDOT, and area partners to explore connections between the region’s Roanoke River Greenway and the New River Valley as part of the Valley to Valley Trail Plan. VDOT has identified Michael Baker International as the consultant who will develop the plan, with the process to officially kick off this winter. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved!
Living with Water: The Future of Flood Insurance in Virginia
The Future of Flood Insurance in Virginia, a day-long symposium hosted by FEMA Region III, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR), and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) was held on Monday, December 9th at the Vinton War Memorial. Living with Water engaged stakeholders from various agencies and industries in a guided conversation about working together to increase flood insurance coverage in Virginia.

The event included a roundtable discussion between representatives from federal, state and local government, banking, real estate and the insurance industries. The morning panel discussions were followed by afternoon small-group breakout sessions and a report out.

Executive Director Wayne Strickland was one of the keynote speakers and talked about the Regional Commission’s role in water related planning – stormwater, hazard mitigation, water quality and blueways. This day-long event was be followed with an evening public Open House at the Charles R. Hill Community Center in Vinton where property-owners, residents and business owners received information and materials about flood risk and actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.

More information about floodplain management and the National Flood Insurance Program is available from VA DCR at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/fpelemnz 
Ongoing Projects
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is always working with localities on projects that benefit the region. Some of these projects are listed below.

  • Craig County Comprehensive Plan Update
  • Alleghany County Wrightsville Neighborhood CDBG Planning Grant
  • Stormwater Assistance
  • Vinton Zoning Assistance
  • Working with local governments, tourism organizations, and the private sector on a promotional campaign for the Roanoke River Blueway
  • Working with the regional local foods partners to examine "Food Hub" needs in the region

For more information on ongoing projects contact  Tim Pohlad-Thomas   or visit  RVARC.org .