On April 14th, 2025, 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 by email at www.cspdc.org/contact-us.
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DCR Presents Virginia Outdoors Plan to Rockbridge Outdoors
Allison Tillett and Kristal McKelvey from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) met with Rockbridge Outdoors on March 20th to present the newly updated Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP).
The VOP serves as a guiding framework for communities across the Commonwealth, helping them connect residents with their most desired outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting the natural and scenic resources that enhance quality of life. The plan outlines Virginia’s strategies, priorities, and planned actions, ensuring the state remains eligible for apportionment funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The VOP is now available online in an interactive format for the first time.
Often referred to as the “gateway to funding,” the VOP is essential for accessing LWCF grants. Currently, Virginia has 414 parks protected through LWCF funding, including six parks in Rockbridge County. DCR representatives also highlighted the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which is currently accepting applications for maintenance projects. This program offers $1.5 million in funding with an 80/20 match requirement, making it a valuable resource for local trail improvements.
Kristina Ramsey, Chair of Rockbridge Outdoors, shared her thoughts on the VOP Presentation: “It was a pleasure to host DCR to share the new Virginia Outdoors Plan with our partners. The new interactive format and clear funding pathways will make it easier for Rockbridge Outdoors and our partners to utilize it and align our efforts with the state’s priorities for outdoor recreation.”
Click here to view the Virginia Outdoors Plan and available funding opportunities.
Rockbridge Outdoors is a partnership of organizations committed to making the Rockbridge area an ideal destination for outdoor recreation. The CSPDC continues to provide administrative support to Rockbridge Outdoors. For more information, please contact Philippe Bone at 540-885-5174 or by email here.
2024 Afton Express Annual Report Released
CSPDC is pleased to release the 2024 Afton Express Annual Report. This report highlights Afton Express performance metrics, milestones, and shares the results of the annual rider survey.
CSPDC transit staff surveyed riders from December 2024 to January 2025, and asked questions about their riding history, habits, and experiences. CSPDC staff encourages all members of the public to take the survey so they can gain insight into barriers to access, schedule preferences, and other data that can help guide service decisions.
We are proud to share that there was a 16% increase in ridership from 2023 to 2024, with a record number of 19,146 passenger trips in 2024.
CSPDC staff are excited about the ridership and the community that has been cultivated by this service and will continue to work diligently to meet the commuter needs of the BRITE service area.
VDOT Seeks Input on Interstate 81 2025 Corridor Improvement Plan
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has launched a new study to assess and improve the Interstate 81 corridor. The I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) will analyze the entire 325-mile stretch of the interstate in the Commonwealth to identify safety and congestion issues.
VDOT is seeking input from drivers and stakeholders to compare real-world travel experiences with traffic-data analysis. The study includes an online survey with an interactive map where participants can highlight locations with traffic concerns. This is the first phase of the study and this public engagement period is open until April 15. The survey is available in multiple languages on the VDOT Project Page, and additional comments can be submitted to va81corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov.
After the initial public engagement period, the study team which combines data obtained from the survey data with traffic data to develop recommendations. Additional opportunities for public comment on said recommendations.
The study is part of the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program (IOEP), which focuses on improving safety, reliability, and traffic flow on Virginia’s interstate highways. A similar study was conducted in 2018, leading to 65 construction projects totaling approximately $3 billion. Information about these projects is available at Improve81.org.