The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) shared a preliminary list of transportation projects recommended for funding through the SMART SCALE program with the Commonwealth Transportation Board last month. The CSPDC, HRMPO, SAWMPO, and our member jurisdictions were very successful this round, with 16 projects recommended for funding out of 21 applications submitted. Projects are multi-modal in scope and include park and ride lot improvements, transit stops, shared use paths, roadway safety enhancements and interstate access.

CSPDC staff continues to participate in Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) I-81 Truck Parking Task Force that is working to expand public and private truck parking facilities along I-81. The Task Force, formed in August 2020, is the result of a recommendation from the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan and is comprised of representatives from VDOT, DMV, private travel center owners, economic development authorities, trucking associations, and local and regional government and planning agencies. In 2021 the Task Force will focus on identifying ways to improve existing facilities and establish potential new facility locations. Contact Zach Beard at the CSPDC to provide input or receive additional information.

In 2018, with the support of GO Virginia funds and the cities of Waynesboro and Harrisonburg, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) developed a non-credit cyber security workforce development program to help establish high-wage, high demand cyber security jobs in the region. Since the start of the program, five cohorts, totaling 69 students, have participated in cyber security credentialling classes and on-the-job training with private industry partners. To date, 36 students have been hired in the cyber security industry with 86% staying in the region.  The average starting annual salary of those completing BRCC’s program was $49,500.  GO Virginia supported the cost of instructors and class materials as BRCC established this very popular program which received 335 applications for enrollment.  Because of the program’s success, Blue Ridge Community College will continue to offer the program through Virginia’s FastForward program.