Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Central Shenandoah PDC says region attracted $93M over four years; highlights housing, transit and resiliency projects
Summary
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission told Harrisonburg council it brought $93 million to the region from FY21–24, highlighted transportation projects, housing programs, and resiliency work, and previewed FY26 priorities including housing assistance, transit adjustments and floodplain planning.
An official from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) presented the commission’s FY2025 annual report to Harrisonburg City Council on Sept. 23, saying the agency attracted $93 million in state and federal grant and program funding across FY2021–24.
The presenter identified major funding categories over the reporting period: transportation (noted as roughly $69.6 million), economic development and community planning (about $18.4 million), housing ($2.5 million) and resiliency ($3.5 million). The CSPDC speaker told council the commission’s FY24 receipts were $35.5 million and that staff count totaled 15.
The presentation detailed regional projects: a regional housing study, administration of first‑time homebuyer assistance and $1.6 million invested in 48 affordable units through a Virginia housing PDC housing development program; safety evaluations and future improvement considerations along Port Republic Road; an inventory identifying 120 electric‑vehicle charging sites in rural jurisdictions; upgrades to radio communications in Bath and Highland counties tied to a Department of Homeland Security grant; and watershed and riparian buffer investments reported through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Watershed Improvement Program.
The CSPDC also described transit investments, including a Lewis Street transit hub in Staunton and an Affton Express commuter service to Charlottesville, which the presenter said grew 16% in ridership to more than 19,000 passenger trips and that UVA now covers fares for its students, faculty and staff on that route.
The presenter said CSPDC will prioritize housing stability and supply, including additional Spark program funding and Virginia Housing program awards (two of which will have projects in Harrisonburg), tweak commuter transit schedules to better match shift work, continue long‑range planning and travel‑demand modelling, and advance floodplain resiliency and regional water supply planning in FY26.
Council members responded with questions and praise; one councilmember noted that the $1.6 million for 48 units represents roughly $35,000 per unit of subsidy, and others commended CSPDC’s role in securing grant funds and regional coordination.
Ending: The presenter said the CSPDC exists to serve member jurisdictions and pledged continued partnership with Harrisonburg staff as FY26 work progresses.
