112 MacTanly Place
Staunton, VA 24401
phone: 540-885-5174
fax: 540-885-2687
New! Regional Collaboration Video
Welcome to the CSPDC
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) represents and serves the local governments of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro as well as the 11 towns within the Central Shenandoah region.
The CSPDC works with its member jurisdictions, communities and agencies to provide high-quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation of services that address local, regional and state needs in an innovative, timely and cooperative manner. Covering everything from land use planning, transportation, water and waste-water utilities, natural resource management, affordable housing, economic and community development, disaster mitigation and preparedness, agritourism to human services, the CSPDC is an invaluable asset to the quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley. For more information about the CSPDC, click here.
Latest News
CSPDC Initiates Rural EV Charging Infrastructure Study
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has begun a Rural EV Charging Infrastructure Study as part of its Rural Transportation Program. The study aims to assess and plan for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure needs in the region’s rural areas. According to Virginia EV Driving data, there are currently 865 EV-driving residents in the non-MPO, rural parts of the CSPDC Region. These drivers collectively travel an average of 25,000 miles on a typical weekday and studies indicate this number is likely to increase significantly over the next decade.
This study will help strategically plan for infrastructure development by identifying optimal locations for EV charging stations, assessing grid capacity, and developing implementation strategies tailored to the unique needs of the PDC’s rural areas. The study will also involve collaborating with Virginia Clean Cities, VDOT Office for Transportation Sustainability, and localities for gathering local data and perspectives.
The study is expected to conclude in March 2025, with regular updates provided to the Rural Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. For more information, please email Garreth Bartholomew, Transportation Planner (garreth@cspdc.org).
Bath-Highland Network Authority Public Notice of a Meeting
On October 9th, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Bath-Highland Network Authority will hold a meeting at the Bolar Ruritan Club, 38 Bolar Lane, Monterey, VA 24465. For more information about the meeting, please contact Rachel Kinzer at 540-885-5174 or rachel@cspdc.org.
UVA Partners with CSPDC to make Afton Express Free for Employees and Students
Beginning September 23, riders affiliated with the University of Virginia (UVA) will be able to ride the Afton Express fare-free. This benefit is provided by UVA Parking and Transportation’s new program WHAOO COMMUTE! Riders with UVA identification will simply show the driver their ID when boarding and will not need to pay a fare.
UVA has been a funding partner and proud supporter of the Afton Express since its launch in 2021. In 2020, UVA released their 2030 Sustainability Plan, which outlines the University’s goals to be carbon neutral by 2030, and fossil fuel free by 2050. Working toward those goals, Parking and Transportation is actively looking for ways to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on and around Grounds. The Afton Express plays a key role in these efforts by providing employees and students with an alternative mode of commuting to work and school.
In June 2024, Kendall Howell, Assistant Director for Parking and Transportation, presented at a Policy Board meeting of the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) on the value of the Afton Express from the UVA perspective. In this presentation, Mr. Howell shared that over 1,300 UVA employees live in the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and the urbanized portion of Augusta County. That number is even greater when including the rural portions of Augusta County and the counties immediately to the north and south. “The Afton Express provides the model to which all other regional [transportation] providers can aspire for their partnership with UVA” remarked Mr. Howell.
The WAHOO Commute! Program provides benefits to UVA affiliates to encourage individuals to choose climate-friendly commute modes like biking, walking, carpooling, or riding public transit. You can learn more about the program by visiting UVA Parking and Transportation’s website at the following link: https://parking.virginia.edu/wahoocommute
