The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has applied for funding through Virginia Housing’s Regional Housing Development Program to support three affordable housing developments in the region. If awarded, the $1.5 million grant will help produce 180 affordable housing units across Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County.

The selected projects include:

• 1030 Alston Court – Developed by Enterprise Community Development, Inc.
• BJS Harrisonburg Family I – Developed by the Beverly J. Searles Foundation, Inc.
• Locust Grove II – Developed by Cosner Construction, Inc.

The Regional Housing Development Program aims to increase the inventory of affordable housing opportunities and address housing issues flagged in recently completed housing studies. In February 2025, the CSPDC released its Regional Housing Study, which provided valuable insights and helped identify high-impact projects for the grant application. The Regional Housing Development Program is a continuation of the previous PDC Housing Development Program. In the last iteration, the CSPDC was able to award $1.66 million in gap funding to seven housing developers, supporting the construction of 58 affordable housing units across the Central Shenandoah.

In February, the CSPDC supported the submission of two technical assistance grant applications through the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RCTA) program. The RCTA program supports locally led conservation and outdoor recreation projects by assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors.

The CSPDC assisted Rockbridge Outdoors apply for a RCTA grant to develop a 5-year strategic plan to guide their efforts as it pursues projects that prioritize community wellness, environmental stewardship and the local economy. Rockbridge Outdoors is a community initiative striving to enhance outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area.

The CSPDC also assisted the Town of Goshen apply for a RCTA grant to create a phased development plan for the Town’s first park. This is the first step toward transforming the 42-acre site into a community amenity that will provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to Goshen residents and neighboring communities.

On February 6, Governor Youngkin announced more than $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 33 projects across the Commonwealth. Three of these projects were located in the CSPDC.

Goshen Community Service Facility – CDBG Community Improvement Grant

Total: $1,250,000

The Town of Goshen was awarded a $1.25 million CDBG Community Improvement Grant to build a multi-purpose community service facility. The facility will improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof. The proposed facility would provide health care, a food pantry, senior services, and many needed community services under one roof in an area that currently lack easy access to these basic amenities.

Briery Branch Community Center – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $100,000

Rockingham County received a $100,000 Planning Grant to support the renovation of the Briery Branch Community Center and address the growing demand for accessible childcare services in the area. The center, which has served local communities since 1958, faces critical building and equipment needs. The planned renovation will ensure the center continues to serve the Briery Branch area for years to come while expanding access to childcare providers.

Fountainhead Subdivision Bridgewater – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $60,000

The Town of Bridgewater was awarded a $60,000 Planning Grant to address infrastructure issues in the Fountainhead Subdivision, where aging water, sewer, and stormwater systems have caused frequent service problems. The grant would fund the development of preliminary engineering and design plans to upgrade the subdivision’s infrastructure, which will then be used to bid and implement necessary improvements.

Governor Youngkin announced last week that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources awarded the Blue Grass Resource Center a $1.75 Million Virginia 250 Preservation Fund grant to support the renovation and reopening of the historic Highland Inn. The inn was one of 35 preservation projects in Virginia awarded in preparation for the 2026 anniversary of the America Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

Located on Main Street in Monterey, the Highland Inn is listed on the Virginia and national historic register. In 2021, Phase 1 of the revitalization effort successfully stabilized and restored the Inn’s exterior. Phase II will restore the Inn’s interior, completing the final step necessary to reopen the hotel and restaurant.