Category Archives: Main Featured

Homebuyers Program is Open for Applicants

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The HOME Down Payment Assistance Program in the Central Shenandoah Valley region received annual funding to assist approximately eight first-time, low-to-moderate income homebuyers in 2020.

HOME is a flexible gap financing program that provides eligible homebuyers with down-payment and/or closing cost assistance in the form of a forgivable loan. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Created to help eligible homebuyers obtain decent, safe, and affordable housing in 1999, this program has helped approximately 250 people in our region grow their personal wealth and equity through homeownership.

HOME funds are made available by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and administered by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC). Call the CSPDC or visit their website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

 

CDBG Resources in Response to COVID-19

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The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making available current CDBG funding to small cities, towns and rural counties to respond to local needs related to COVID-19 response. Click here to view their Response Fund document.

BRITE Bus Offers Fare-Free Service

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In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, BRITE Bus is offering fare-free service on all fixed and paratransit routes. BRITE Bus hopes this decision will help alleviate some financial burden on its ridership, including community personnel who use BRITE to get to and from work, during this time of uncertainty. Up-to-date service and operational changes, including social distancing standards, will continue to be posted on the BRITE Bus website and related social media outlets.

Afton Express Moves Forward

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The CSPDC has applied for funds under the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT’s) Demonstration grant program to fund a commuter bus system, the Afton Express, connecting the Shenandoah Valley with Charlottesville. A recently completed study and service plan proposes a Monday-Friday schedule with four trips in the am and four trips in the pm. Stops will originate at park and ride lots in Staunton, Fishersville, Waynesboro and multiple stops in Charlottesville and Albemarle County including UVA, UVA Medical Center, Downtown Charlottesville and 5th Street Station (Wegman’s). The proposed fare will be $3 one way. If funded, the proposed system would be launched in early 2021. Partners include Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, Albemarle County, Charlottesville and UVA.

2019 Population Estimates Released

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The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center released the 2019 population estimates for Virginia and its counties and independent cities at the end of January. These numbers are used by state and local government agencies in funding allocations and planning and budgeting. Since the 2010 Census, the CSPDC’s population has grown by over 15,000 people or 5.4%. Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg experienced the greatest growth during 2010-2019. Their populations increased 7.7% and 10.4%, respectively, to add nearly 11,000 people to our CSPDC region. Virginia’s population increased by 6.7% during the same time period.
The population estimates, including components of change, are available on the Weldon Cooper Center website. You can also find population information on the CSPDC’s Regional Data Center.

CSPDC Receives Broadband Grant for Rockbridge and Bath Counties

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CSPDC was among 12 applicants across the state awarded grant funds through the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) program. The $2.2M grant submitted by the CSPDC on behalf of Rockbridge and Bath counties and in conjunction with BARC Electric Cooperative will help bridge the digital divide and expand broadband infrastructure in the unserved areas of Rockbridge and Bath counties. With over $15M in BARC funds leveraged, the project will deploy a total of 314 miles of gigabit last mile fiber infrastructure that is expected to serve an estimated 1,100 businesses and residences in the two counties. The CSPDC is providing grant assistance and administrative support for the project.

Facts & Figures Published

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One of the CSPDC’s roles in economic development is to be a resource for data about the region and the PDC’s localities. To help support this important function, the CSPDC creates and distributes Facts & Figures, an easy-to-read snapshot of each sub-region’s people, jobs, schools, and other unique attributes. The four newly designed 2019 Facts & Figures documents were released this Fall and are available on the CSPDC website. Printed copies are set to be distributed throughout the remainder of this year.

Delegate Landes Presents 50th Anniversary Resolution

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. In 1968, the Virginia State Legislature passed the Virginia Area Development Act which set forth the framework for the establishment of regional planning district commissions throughout the state, and on October 1, 1969, the CSPDC was organized.

This year, the General Assembly passed a resolution in honor of the Commonwealth’s 21 PDCs. During the CSPDC’s annual meeting on August 19, Delegate Steve Landes presented the resolution to the Commission.

BRITE Bus Receives Best Practices Award

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The Robert M. deVoursney Best Practices Award was presented to BRITE Bus and CSPDC Transit Manager, Nancy Gourley, during the Virginia Association of Planning District Commission’s (VAPDC) Annual Conference in Williamsburg. The award recognizes an organization that has initiated innovative and regional activities which have contributed significantly to the effectiveness of a region.
BRITE Bus is a small urban transit system that operates in the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro area and provides public transportation to the citizens of the area. The BRITE Bus program is administered and managed by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and is going into its sixth year of operation. For more information on BRITE Bus, go to www.britebus.org.