New River Valley

During FY 1999-2000 the localities, agencies, non-profit organizations, and other groups continued to demonstrate cooperation and partnership to address the future of the New River Valley. It is a wonderful time to live and work in the New River Valley, the future is bright and exciting.

During the year, there were a number of announcements of closings and plant layoffs in the region, continuing the feeling that the New River Valley was not receiving the benefits of the unprecedented growth seen in the national economy. The Valleyï¿½s economy is still very much in transition, recovery since the early 1990's has been slow. However, in the region many of the puzzle pieces needed to compete in the "new economy" were put in place, others continued to be developed, and others are still in front of us.

Who would have thought that the New River Valley Airport would be an International Airport, supporting a US Customs House, clearing freight from around the world with some 1,000 entries worth over one hundred million dollars during its first six months of operations? People of the Region did and itï¿½s working. The Customs House is not only a value for business and industry, it provides the international traveler from Western Virginia a port through which to clear items shipped home without the necessity of traveling to far away locations to reclaim their property, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Diversification of the economy and assistance to startup companies is the mission of the New River Valley Competitiveness Center. Since its opening in 1999, the Center has assisted fourteen companies, two of which have graduated. Together these companies have created over 100 new jobs in the region and provide a variety of activities. The Competitiveness Center has many more companies looking to start or expand than there are facilities to meet the needs. The New River Valley Development Corporation has received grants from the Economic Development Administration and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is borrowing additional funds to expand the Center by an additional 20,000 square feet.

The Technology Magnet School, a joint effort among six secondary school divisions and the New River Community College is providing technical training and certification in various computer related skills. This workforce development program is preparing a new workforce in the Valley which has not been available to date. Reports continue that there is a workforce shortage in Northern Virginia for employees trained in technology skills. Companies and jobs need to be located here in the Valley and this technology related program addresses providing the skills needed to perform the jobs.

The New River Valley Commerce Park is one of those projects that speaks loudly to the levels of cooperation present in the region. Fifteen localities in western Virginia have joined in Virginiaï¿½s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority. Twelve of the localities are jointly developing a regional industrial park of a size and scale which would not be possible if attempted by one locality alone. The target industries for the park are value added, basic firms in technology fields.

Projects which are continuing development promise to increase the attractiveness of the region, both for companies seeking new locations and the creation of new companies. The following report provides additional detail on the activities in the region aimed at ensuring a bright future. I wish to thank all of the people who are working so very hard for the region and its people.

Sincerely,

David W. Rundgren

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Regional Cooperation

Virginiaï¿½s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority

Virginiaï¿½s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority has been created by fifteen Southwestern Virginia localities covering the area from the City of Roanoke to the Town of Narrows and from the County of Roanoke to the County of Bland. Each of the participating localities is equal at the Authority table, having two members and paying an annual fee of $5,000. The purpose of the Authority is to undertake industrial development projects which are of a scope and size that no locality could undertake individually.

The Authority has continued to meet regularly over the past year. Much of the activity is devoted to the development of the New River Valley Commerce Park Project. However, the Authority was considered by localities as a vehicle to address other industrial and commercial projects. At this time no other projects are under development by the Authority. Meetings provide an opportunity for jurisdictions with similar interests to discuss them. There have been a number of requests from localities across the State for copies of the Authorityï¿½s organizational papers and information on the development of the Authority. The Regional Competitiveness Partnership Association also included a session on their agenda for Jim Cornwell, Authority Attorney, and Dave Rundgren to present the legal and operational aspects of the Authority to the Regional Partnership across the State. Main Menu

New River Valley Regional Jail

The New River Valley Regional Jail serves the counties of Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Pulaski and Wythe and the City of Radford. The Jail is also used on a contract basis by other jurisdictions as well as state and federal authorities. Its function is to hold inmates awaiting trial or persons who have been convicted of crimes that do not require transfer to the state prison system. Since the 430-bed facility began receiving prisoners in April of 1999, every effort has been made to fully utilize the facility.

The PDC staff continued to provide administrative assistance on an as needed basis as more administrative duties were transferred to the jail during the year. Commission staff worked closely with Thompson+ Litton, project engineer, to complete the submission of documentation required by the Virginia Department of Corrections as a prerequisite to the anticipated reimbursement of the stateï¿½s 50 percent share of the cost of construction. Main Menu

New River Valley Magnet School for Information Systems Technology

The New River Valley Magnet School for Information Systems Technology, formerly known as the New River Valley Magnet School for Technology, is a partnership between New River Community College and eight school districts. The Magnet School prepares high school juniors and seniors for careers in high technology fields, with dual enrollment classes providing both high school and college credit. Despite not having a building, the Magnet School program has continued to grow. Last fall, satellite CISCO SYSTEMS labs began in Floyd, Giles and Pulaski Counties. Enrollment for all Magnet School technology classes increased to about 270 students.

Interest and support for the Magnet School also increased among business and technology groups. A pool of well trained workers would help attract high tech industries to the New River Valley. In January, the Virginiaï¿½s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority endorsed the Magnet School project.

New River Community College offered four acres on the college grounds as a potential site for a facility to house both the Magnet School and the Southwest Virginia Governorï¿½s School that is currently located at Pulaski County High School. A conceptual drawing for a 40,000 square foot building to house both programs was prepared. Efforts continued to obtain funding for the building from both state and federal sources. Main Menu

Virginiaï¿½s New River Valley Regional Competitiveness Partnership

Virginiaï¿½s New River Valley Regional Competitiveness Partnership was formed at the request of the local governments. It is composed of representatives of the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance. The Partnership reports on the status of regional projects and encourages other regional projects through the investment of funds provided to the Partnership by the General Assembly, approximately $240,000 last year. These funds were used to support the development and operations of the New River Valley Airport as a User Fee Airport and Foreign Trade Zone. Funds were also utilized to provide operational support to the New River Valley Competitiveness Center and the New River Valley Visitors Alliance. In the area of workforce development, RCP monies provided ongoing support to the planning and design of the Technology Magnet School, and to the operation and expansion of the Work Keys Program. Main Menu

Vision 2020

Vision 2020 continues to serve the NRVPDC and its jurisdictions as a foundation for continued regional cooperation, particularly for projects that draw heavily on grassroots involvement. As the following projects show, Vision 2020 gives the New River Valley a framework for broad-based community development activities, helping us to reach our goal of a healthy, sustainable community by 2020. Main Menu

Kellogg Managing Information

The Kellogg Foundation funding began the MIRA program in March 1998 and the final phase of mini-grants was completed in August 1999. All ten community teams that participated in the training and mini-grant development process completed community-based information technology projects last summer. The following is a list of the mini-grant projects from across the region:

Auburn Team: Auburn Virtual Enterprises Networking Unique Exciting Services (AVENUES)

To develop a virtual community center as a focal point for improving communications and relations in the community launching a cultural and telecommunications center in an existing wired-for- technology log cabin located at the local high school. The final team project purchased digital interview backpacks for Auburn High School students to use to gather oral histories from the elders of this community.

Blacksburg Team: Advanced Community Communications Education and Support System (ACCESS)

To provide temporary transportation for job-related activities to residents below the poverty level whose transportation needs are unmet. ACCESS to Rides has been providing service and information to clients in need of transportation throughout this community. The goal is to expand this project beyond the local community to the county and the region.

Christiansburg Team: Christiansburg newsletter, web site, database

To build an informed, cohesive community through the exchange of information and education by implementing a web site, database, and newsletter. The newsletter developed for this community carries important local news and offers opportunity for connections and community sharing in this area.

Dublin Team: Dublin Information Station

To provide Dublin families and businesses with improved accessibility to electronic resources. The final project provided training and access to pre-schoolers and their families at the local library.

Floyd Team: Information Network Forum (INFO)

To promote the ongoing process of communication among diverse community interests by providing the greater Floyd community and its visitors with readily available, up-to-date information on all aspects of Floyd's services, assets, entertainment, and networks. The final project provided informational touch screen kiosks for Floyd that host local artists and storytellers sharing the wisdom of this community.

Giles Team: Community Bulletin Board

To provide a public information forum through public access TV fostering interaction and cooperation between non-profits and organizations by listing resources, services, announcements and emergencies in Giles. Giles High School students are researching and developing public service announcements for local non-profit and governmental agencies in this county.

Northwest Montgomery County Team: Community Online and Networked to Negotiate Education and Communication Through Interviewing Numerous Generations (CONNECTING)

Establish intergenerational communications network using technology to teach computer skills, support education, and connect the generations to preserve heritage. This project linked 2^nd graders with retired coal miners to develop a digital history of this community on the school web site. Additionally, computer training sessions were developed and targeted for the local residents of this community.

Pulaski Team: Computer Training and Resident Empowerment

To lead at risk residents to the internet and e-mail and teach them how to use these resources to improve their lives on a practical level, rooting the project in the community, and creating an internal mechanism that will promote its continuation and growth. The project targets two apartment complexes with low-income families. This final project partners with the HUD Neighborhood Networks program to provide training and equipment to a computer center in a low-income housing complex.

Shawsville-Elliston Team: Linking Individuals in our Community (LINC)

To create a community that communicates by using technology to create partnerships, promote community pride, enhance community awareness, empower residents to help themselves and their neighbors. Opening ways for the community to match need with solutions, and resources for problem solving. This project has provided a necessary community communication "LINC" through a newsletter for this area. Additionally, the team is spearheading work on a community facility and more cooperative use of the local school facilities in this part of the county.

Radford Team: Technology Community for Radford

To bring together citizens, government, and school leaders to establish a comprehensive technology task force to develop and implement a comprehensive technology plan for the community. The final team project purchased a server for the city that will provide internet access and control for this community.

For more information about these on-going projects and programs, contact Holly Lesko (552-3035 or [email protected]). Main Menu

American Heritage Rivers

The New River was designated an American Heritage River by President Clinton in July of 1998. By late July 1999, with staff support from the NRVPDC, a tri-state (North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) New River Workplan was available. Congressman Rick Boucher hosted a conference in late July 1999 where the Work Plan was unveiled, and citizens from all three states networked during the day-long event. Community participation in this event was high for our region, due in large part to the trust built through the MIRA work.

The New River Valley has four representatives to the New River Community Partners Board charged with providing assistance and support to New River communities as they implement their projects. These representatives include Lesley Howard, David Ridpath, David Rundgren and Llyn Sharp. Charlotte Burnett with Virginia Recreation and Conservation Department also regularly attends the board meetings.

In the NRV region we are working on developing a series of river access sites, including campsites on the New River, as well as a"Blueway" river trail system that will connect with an existing system in North Carolina.

The workplan is available by contacting either Lesley Howard or Dave Rundgren at the NRVPDC. Main Menu

Grassroots Leadership Development Initiative

As we reported in last yearï¿½s annual report, the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation awarded a two-year grant to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) for a grassroots leadership development program (EAGLES: Energized Active Grassroots Leadership Engaged Systematically) that was developed in collaboration with NRVPDC staff. The first year of EAGLES has been completed with the participation of 13 grassroots leaders, ranging from emerging leaders to well-established leaders, including Executive Directors, ministers, Department of Social Services employees, Virginia Tech extension agents, and Head Start parents. NRVPDC and CFNRV staff developed the eight all-day Saturday sessions with a community development expert from Learning Partners in Tennessee. The participants themselves identified their leadership needs and the trainings focused on personal development as a pathway to community development.

In addition to the EAGLES-only Saturday sessions, two workshops addressing EAGLES-identified issues were opened to the community at large: fund-raising and work/personal life balance.

The CFNRV has raised approximately 10% of the anticipated $250,000 endowment to sustain the program after the grant award runs out. Additional fund-raising efforts will be coordinated in the coming year. Main Menu

Economic Development

New River Valley Foreign Trade Zone

The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance has been leading efforts to seek "User Fee Airport/Port of Entry" and "Foreign Trade Zone" status for the New River Valley Airport in Dublin. The Planning District Commission continued to support this effort during FY 1999-2000. Commission staff served on the Allianceï¿½s Foreign Trade Zone Advisory Committee and provided technical assistance in the development of the Foreign Trade Zone Program document, which contains the program description, goals and action items, and budget for FY 2001.

On August 9, 1999, Congressman Frederick C. Boucher announced that the New River Valley Airport near Dublin received the following designations: "Customs Port of Entry" from the U.S. Department of the Treasury; and "Foreign Trade Zone" from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As a result of the "Port of Entry" designation, New River Valley businesses can experience greater convenience in processing imported merchandise. A U.S. Customs office (i.e., Port No. 1481) is now located at the New River Valley Airport.

As a result of the "Foreign Trade Zone" designation, New River Valley manufacturers engaging in importation of components may be able to realize significant cost savings, such as reduction of import duties. Referred to as Foreign Trade Zone No. 238, the New River Valley Foreign Trade Zone is one of only five such zones in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A U.S. Customs officer was assigned to the New River Valley Port of Entry in October of 1999 and began working with the Alliance to get the Port of Entry ready for activation. A grand opening celebration for the New River Valley Foreign Trade Zone was held on January 21, 2000, at the New River Valley Airport near Dublin. The event celebrated the opening of Foreign Trade Zone No. 238 and Customs Port of Entry No. 1481.

On March 26, 2000, the New River Valley Port of Entry was officially activated by the U.S. Customs Service. In its first six months of operation, the Port logged more than 900 entries representing approximately $85 million in imported merchandise.

Development of the Foreign Trade Zone/Port of Entry will facilitate expansion of the New River Valleyï¿½s already significant level of international trade while helping to diversify the economy and create jobs. Main Menu

New River Valley Competitiveness Center

The New River Valley Competitiveness Center was very active for the twelve months which ended on June 30, 2000. The Center focused its activity on its mission to maximize its impact on the Valleyï¿½s economy through job creation and incubating businesses in diverse segments of the economy. The Center also looked to the future, with plans for a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion of the incubator space.

The Competitiveness Center is charged with the mission to create jobs and assist in diversifying the local economy. The original business plan for the Center projected fifty percent occupancy at the end of the first year. However, on April 12, 2000 the Center celebrated its first anniversary with a fully utilized facility. During the year, one business successfully graduated. Jamie Wyatt, Wyatt Insurance Agency, moved to his new office in Fort Chiswell in June.

On the other hand, three new businesses moved into the Center. ACT MicroDevices, Inc. joined us in November and occupy approximately 3,300 square feet of space for their photonics, fiber optics and micro device business. 2ae-commercedesign.com is a pointcast marketer using the internet to maximize their customersï¿½ exposure. They moved into a 200 square foot office in January. Integrated Consulting and Contracting occupied their 176 square foot office in June. ICC performs sales representation for the Service Industry much the same as a sales representative for a manufacturer.

Total employment of the businesses located in the Center exceeds 150 people with over 100 of the jobs being created in the past year, and all tenants serve a different segment of the economy.

In support of the tenants, the Center has always provided equipment required to make todayï¿½s business competitive in their marketplace. During the year, we added to the equipment available by purchasing a used forklift and a used scissor lift for common use in the facility. In addition, we provided training in the operation of the forklift as required by OSHA. This training certified twelve operators for five different tenants.

Other activities undertaken by the Center included the presentation of two seminars by outside professionals. One addressed quality business practices, ISO 9000 and 14000 specifically, and the other presented information from New River Community College on Workkeys as a means of qualifying potential employees. Also, a mentoring program was initiated with the solicitation of mentors from the private sector including accounting, legal, business administration, planning, and budgeting. Finally, the Center published three editions of its newsletter, The Competitive Edge, the first edition being January 1, 2000.

Vision for the Future:

Undoubtedly, the Competitiveness Center has been more successful than expected, or better stated, successful much sooner than expected. With the momentum of the success, the New River Valley Development Corporation filed a pre-application with the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in February for a Grant of $2.0 million to add 20,000 square feet of incubator space to the Competitiveness Center. In April, an invitation was issued by EDA to apply for a grant to be awarded in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Phase 2 of the Competitiveness Center is planned to have two additional manufacturing bays, three office suites of four offices each, and as many as nine other office spaces. In addition to the building expansion, the Corporation will be granted an additional eleven acres of land surrounding the Center in exchange for infrastructure improvements to the industrial park. This additional acreage allows for the development of a concept plan for future incubator expansion and a small business park that would be designed as a place for incubator graduates to occupy after they graduate from the Center. Main Menu

Giles Business Incubator

Giles Business Incubator (GBI) has and is undergoing major organizational changes, but the quality service given to tenants is continuing uninterrupted. The Town of Narrows graciously and responsibly supported the incubator concept and operations, even though the program serviced the county of Giles as a whole, since 1997. Given the Townï¿½s fiscal constraints and through the cooperative efforts of the County of Giles Board of Supervisors, the Giles County Economic Development Director, and the Giles County IDA/IDC, the Giles Business Incubator will now function under the Giles County IDA. This regional effort to service small, mid, and large business in Giles County is an anticipated win-win situation for the business community and county residents.

Anita Hines, GBI Director since its inception in 1997, left this position to join the administrative faculty at Radford University as a business analyst/counselor at the Small Business Development Center. Ms. Hines continues as a Giles Business Incubator board member and is serving on the newly formed Virginia Business Incubation Association Board of Directors.

The Giles Business Incubator is the recipient of two grants for fiscal year 2000-2001. GBI was awarded a $30,000 Virginia Department of Business Assistance Program Support Grant for use in marketing and promotion. In addition, the Appalachian Regional Commission Entrepreneurial Initiative granted a $10,000 planning grant for use in establishing a building skills training program for at-risk adults and youth. The latter grant involves regional cooperation from Giles County Schools, Giles County Partnership for Excellence Foundation, Department of Social Services, Giles County Housing and Development Corporation, Giles Business Incubator, New River Community College, Workforce Development Council, and local contractors such as W. G. Simmons and GLP. As this program is in the planning and feasibility stage, other partners may be identified. For more information, contact Anita Hines at (540) 831-6056 or [email protected]. Main Menu

Jacksonville Center

The Jacksonville Center, located on Route 8 in Floyd County, five miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a unique economic development project promoting rural culture, the arts, and community. This past year a feasibility study was conducted and submitted to the Virginia Department of Business Assistance along with a Business Plan and an application for a Small Business Incubator Renovation Grant. The grant of $250,000 was awarded to continue the renovation of the Jacksonville Center barn as a rural cultural business incubator. The primary focus of the incubator will be the development of arts-related businesses. An additional grant was submitted to the USDA Rural Development Program for a Rural Business Enterprise Grant to assist with the renovation of the barn. It is anticipated that construction will begin in early 2001. Main Menu

Floyd Regional Commerce Center

Planning has accelerated for the new Floyd Regional Commerce Center in the wake of severe textile job losses in the County and other regional job losses. PDC staff completed an EDA Phase 1 application for $840,000 in infrastructure improvements. Staff also talked with the Department of Housing and Community Development concerning additional funding possibilities and anticipated applying for State funds. Main Menu

Narrows Downtown Revitalization

This revitalization project continued on a "hold" basis through this year. The final two elements of the original Community Development Block Grant, demolition of a blighted building and streetscape improvements, are waiting to be coordinated with VDOTï¿½s Route 61 realignment. Main Menu

New River Valley Commerce Park

Progress continued during FY 2000 on the development of the Commerce Park. Grant and loan announcements were made for the Rural Development direct loan and loan guarantee of over 4 million dollars, an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant of $500,000, and a State Grant of $1.375 million dollars. Citizens, Authority representatives, and County leaders jointly developed Covenants for the management of the property and a Planned Industrial Zoning District to establish the operation rules of the park. The zoning document will be considered by the County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors during the fall. The development plans for Phase 1 of the Park are under development. The Authority is looking forward to acquiring the land before the end of December and the closing of the financial agreements during the winter.Main Menu

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

PDC staff updated the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the strategic plan for the Economic Development Administration. Embodied in the update was a revision to Vision 2020 which outlines goals and strategies for economic development, education and training, health and human development, natural and cultural environment, and physical infrastructure in the New River Valley.

The CEDS document also includes an Annual Project Package Report which lists and ranks projects in the region according to specific criteria and priority levels. The criteria this year included: regional significance, relationship to locally adopted comprehensive plans, per capita income and unemployment in the locality, relationship to private investment and previous investment, and readiness to initiate projects. Level 1 priority projects included water and sewer improvements, employment creation/retention, microenterprise assistance, tourism, roads, and local schools and educational facilities. Main Menu

Human Services

Welfare Reform

The Commission staff has continued to be a strong regional player in welfare reform efforts in the New River Valley. This past year represented a shift in welfare reform implementation based on the need for the region to develop programs targeted at the hard-to-serve population, defined as individuals with multiple barriers to employment. This year, the five Department of Social Services Directors, known collectively as the Partners for Self-Sufficiency, combined their Planning-to-Plan funds to contract with the New River Valley Planning District Commission to help the partners develop a strategic plan for Phase II of welfare reform implementation. During May and June, the NRVPDC facilitated five jurisdictional brainstorming sessions. The Partners for Self-Sufficiency invited people and organizations that represent the fabric of the New River Valley to these brainstorming sessions to discuss the needs of the hard-to-serve population. The NRVPDC used the data gathered at these sessions to help develop an action plan for the partners and identify collaboratives for grant opportunities. In addition, five childcare taskforces were formed and the NRVPDC is helping these taskforces conduct needs assessments on childcare issues. The NRVPDC will continue to serve as an intermediary organization that can help local agencies and organizations make cross-agency, regional connections in order to help streamline the New River Valleyï¿½s human services delivery system. Main Menu

Transitional Housing

The Commission is administering a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded to the City of Radford. This Community Improvement Grant is for the construction of a transitional housing facility to be owned and operated by the Womenï¿½s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Transitional housing provides victims of domestic violence with a safe environment for longer periods of stay than is feasible in an emergency shelter. Additionally, staff of the Womenï¿½s Resource Center will be on-site providing supportive services including counseling, case management, and educational services to families throughout their stay at the facility.

The project design is a cluster of eight apartment units plus a common community area, playroom, laundry, and office space for Womenï¿½s Resource Center staff. Bids for construction were advertised in March and the $587,020 construction contract was awarded May 25, 2000 to Independence Construction of Princeton, West Virginia. Construction began the first week of July with project completion expected by May, 2001. Main Menu

Planning / Technical Assistance

Glen Lyn Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Glen Lyn began updating its Comprehensive Plan in the Spring, with the help of PDC staff. The background data has been updated. Also, consensus was reached regarding goals and objectives, with orderly land use and increased job and tax bases topping the list of priorities. Presently, the American Electric Power Plant is the primary employer in the Town and also the biggest single contributor to the tax base. Next, the Planning Commission will decide on a Future Land Use Guide and an implementation plan. Main Menu

Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan

The Pulaski County Planning Commission conducted six public meetings around the County to gather input for Phase Two of the Comprehensive Plan. (Phase One documented existing conditions.) Over 775 citizen comments were received and recorded during these meetings. The Planning Commission, with the help of citizen input and PDC staff, drafted the Phase Two document which presents the Goals and Objectives for the next twenty years. The goals include: strengthening the Countyï¿½s economy, providing adequate housing opportunities for all segments of the community, protecting the natural environment, and strengthening the Countyï¿½s educational system. Also in Phase Two the Commission is developing short-, medium-, and long-term action plans for each of the Planning Areas to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Main Menu

Floyd-Floyd County Comprehensive Plan

The Floyd-Floyd County Planning Commission continued updating the Comprehensive Plan. PDC staff scanned the Countyï¿½s property mapping and placed identifiers in each parcel. This enabled visual analysis using GIS and mapping to illustrate present land use using the Floyd County land book data. PDC staff also updated the economic data in the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the significant loss of textile jobs in the past year and the growth of tourism-related businesses in the County. PDC staff also shared a Needs Assessment Study done in Floyd County by the Social Services Department. Given this new data, the Commission has made revisions in its goals and objectives. Next the Commission will develop the future land use plan and make implementation recommendations. Main Menu

Floyd County Subdivision and Manufactured Home Park Ordinance

The Floyd County Planning Commission revised its draft Subdivision Ordinance following preliminary review by the Board of Supervisors. Considerable time was spent addressing health department regulations. A revised draft was prepared for the Board in preparation for a joint public hearing.

The Planning Commission also began drafting a new Mobile Home Park Ordinance, now known as Manufactured Home Park Ordinance. The new draft will bring the Ordinance into line with new State regulations and the new Subdivision Ordinance. The new draft will not be recommended to the Board until the Board takes decisive action on the proposed Subdivision Ordinance. Main Menu

Rich Creek Comprehensive Plan

PDC staff worked with the Rich Creek Planning Commission prior to FY 1999-2000 to update the Townï¿½s Comprehensive Plan. The draft plan was presented to the Planning Commission in the Fall of 1999. After some minor modifications, the updated Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Rich Creek Town Council in January, 2000. Main Menu

Recycling Industrial Technical Assistance

This integrated solid waste management and innovative recycling technical assistance project has been operating within the NRVPDC since 1992, and continues to receive funding from a variety of sources. Services include: direct on-site technical assistance, training workshops, waste audits, waste exchanges, information resources, and publications.

The following publications are available on request:

ï¿½ Buy Recycled Resource Guide

ï¿½ Micro Business Opportunities for Recovered Materials

ï¿½ Deconstruction/Reconstruction

ï¿½ Local Utilization of Scrap Tires

ï¿½ Sustainable Building Concepts and Green Building Resource Guide

ï¿½ What is Rural? and How Does it Affect our Ability to Comply with Recycling Mandates/Goals?

ï¿½ Biodiesel Fuel Production

ï¿½ Pollution Prevention Information Package

ï¿½ Business Guide for Recycling Solid Waste (EPA Document 530-K-92-004) Main Menu

Transportation

Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study

The Planning Commissions of Montgomery County and the City of Radford requested that the Planning District Commission provide staff support to update the original Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study completed in 1992. The Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor is an area of approximately 2,700 acres along Virginia Rt. 177 and lies between Rock Road in the City of Radford and I-81 in Montgomery County. Concerns about infrastructure and implications of the location of a new hospital in the Corridor contributed to the decision to update the original study.

The Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study Update effort began in late summer of 1999 led by a Steering Committee composed primarily of corridor landowners, County and City Planning Commission members, and local government staff from the two localities. The Steering Committee met once each month through the end of FY 1999-2000. The Committee gathered information and heard presentations on issues such as water and wastewater use and capacity, revenue sharing and tax revenues, transportation, emergency services, and land use. A public meeting was held in early February of 2000 to receive citizen input concerning emerging and important issues in the Corridor.

At the end of FY 1999-2000, the Steering Committee, with assistance from PDC staff, were developing a Draft Corridor Study Update document. The Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study Update continued into FY 2000-2001, with a second public meeting scheduled for late summer 2000 and the Corridor Study Update document to be finalized in the Fall of 2000. Main Menu

Administrative Operations

Financial Information

Revenues & Expenditures for FY99-00