In July, the Town of Goshen was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to determine the feasibility of converting a vacant school building into a mixed-use community center. If brought to fruition, the community center would provide a variety […]
Continue readingMonthly Archives: July 2021
TAP Pre-Applications Submitted
Every two years, the CSPDC partners with local governments to apply for funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a program that funds non-motorized transportation projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. This year, the CSPDC assisted with nine pre-applications that were submitted by the July 1 deadline. VDOT […]
Continue readingVATI Broadband Grants Due
Applications are currently being accepted for the Fiscal Year 2022 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant program. To help achieve Governor Northam’s goal for universal broadband coverage throughout the Commonwealth by 2024, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will award funds to eligible applicants to provide last-mile services to […]
Continue readingGO Virginia Region 8 Council Approves Ag. Tech Center
In June, GO Virginia Region 8 Council approved a proposal to fund the Agricultural Innovation Center in Buena Vista. Proposed by The Advancement Foundation, the Agricultural Innovation Center plans to transform a vacant 37,000 square-foot factory in downtown Buena Vista into a flagship, ag-tech innovation facility featuring a business accelerator […]
Continue readingCTB Member Mark Merrill Tours Crozet Tunnel
New Staunton District Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) member Mark Merrill visited the region on June 30 to tour the Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel. The CSPDC hosted Mr. Merrill with VDOT, Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro MPO Policy Board members, and CSPDC Chair Frank Friedman. City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation Director and Tunnel Foundation […]
Continue readingBuena Vista Receives Block Grant
The City of Buena Vista was awarded a $1 million Community Development Block Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for community improvements in downtown Buena Vista. Improvements will focus along the 21st Street corridor and will include new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, street lights and […]
Continue readingAfton Express to Launch in September
The Afton Express, a commuter bus service connecting Staunton, Fishersville, Waynesboro, Charlottesville, and Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County will begin operating September 1. Three buses, outfitted with Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and bike racks, will be used to operate four morning and four afternoon service routes, five days a week. […]
Continue readingNew PDC Housing Development Program
A new source of funding through Virginia Housing will help the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) and its housing partners create more affordable housing units in the region. On July 13, Virginia Housing announced $40 million in grants to Virginia’s 21 Planning Districts. Based on its population, the CSPDC […]
Continue readingFed says Fifth District economy growing moderately
Virginia Business: July 14, 2021 | The Fifth District saw growth in manufacturing, district ports, trucking companies and retailers, especially of home goods and clothing, according to the report.
Continue readingBroadway to begin distributing American Rescue funds to businesses next week
WHSV3: July 12, 2021 | The town of Broadway will begin distributing American Rescue Plan funding to local businesses early next week. Businesses will receive either $500 or $10,000, depending on certain criteria.
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