FY 1996-97 Annual Report
Return to NRVPDC Home PageDuring FY 96-97, I celebrated 13 years of service as Executive Director of the New River Valley Planning District Commission (NRVPDC). In that time, I have found that COOPERATION has become an increasingly important way of doing governmental business. The economic and demographic conditions in the Valley make cooperation a necessity in order to compete in today's global and technology based economy. In 1995, the General Assembly recognized that cooperation is a necessary ingredient in regional development and added the achievement of cooperation to the purposes of the Planning District Commissions.
Governmental Cooperation
The cooperative efforts initiated by the localities began some thirty years ago with the formation of the New River Valley Regional Airport Commission and have continued to the present. Currently, the New River Valley localities are working together on more than forty projects which are improving services to their residents. These projects include large scale endeavors such as regional recycling and garbage disposal to the New River Valley Regional Jail Authority which serves eight jurisdictions, including four localities in the Mount Rogers Planning District, as well as smaller scale projects.
Government/Private Cooperation
The local governments and the private sector are also cooperating to improve the competitive position of the region. One such example is the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance (NRVEDA) which was created nearly a decade ago through the action of local governments, Chambers of Commerce, and private corporations. The NRVEDA is marketing the New River Valley as a quality location for a variety of business and industrial prospects.
Another example of government and private sector cooperation is the application effort to create a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in the New River Valley. An FTZ allows businesses and industries involved in the import/export of materials and products to realize a reduction in Custom duties. Approximately fifty firms in the region could benefit from the creation of an FTZ. In addition to the FTZ, an application to designate the New River Valley Airport as a User Fee Airport has been submitted. This status is important in that there will be a Customs Officer located at the Airport to clear freight and passengers coming into the United States within the region. If granted, these designations will assist the region in participating in the global economy and improving economic conditions.
Local Government, State/Federal Cooperation
During the 1980's, Federal and State governments began to focus their investments into regional projects that address today's evolving economies. A review of the projects outlined in the remainder of this report provides a picture of the efforts of the New River Valley in keeping pace with the changes in the economy with the assistance of federal and state cooperation.
The spirit of cooperation is a key to the future of the New River Valley.
Respectfully submitted,
David W. Rundgren
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Table of Contents
In September 1969, the New River Valley Planning District Commission was organized by its member jurisdictions - Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties, the City of Radford, and the Towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Pulaski - and accepted the charge of the general provisions of the Virginia Area Development Act (15.1-1400) which authorized the creation of the Planning District Commission.
The 1995 General Assembly amended and re-enacted Bill 15.1-1400 et al. The re-enacted Bill is entitled the Regional Cooperation Act which added governmental cooperation to the purposes of the Commission. The Regional Cooperation Act is the basis for the Commission's mission:
The provisions of effective areawide planning for the physical, social and economic elements of the District:
To conduct strategic planning for the region;
To provide, encourage and assist local governments in planning for their future development:
To provide a means of coordinating Federal, State and local efforts to resolve area problems:
To provide a forum for review of mutual concerns:
To implement services upon request of member local governments. Table of Contents
NRVPDC Homepage
Providing economic development, tourism, resource data, and program information for each of the localities in the New River Valley, the NRVPDC homepage logs between 500 and 700 "hits" each month. Most frequently requested information sites are the Economic Development sites, which include a listing for each of the industrial parks in the region; the map data site; and the New River Valley Visitors Bureau site (http://www.bev.net/blacksburg/pdc/index.html).
Ammunition Plant Reuse
The NRVPDC continued to be actively involved in Army Ammunition Plant reuse issues on a national level from July 1996 through June 1997. Holly Lesko, NRVPDC staff, completed her third year as the national community representative on the Public Private Task Force (PPTF) for ammunition plant reuse.
Regional Jail
The New River Valley Regional Jail Authority expanded its membership and now the Authority is comprised of Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Pulaski, and Wythe counties, and the City of Radford. The Authority purchased 27.79 acres in the Dublin Industrial Park for the 348 bed facility. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated for early August 1997.
"Vision 2020": The Region's Strategic Plan
At the June 1997 Commission meeting of the NRVPDC, the Vision 2020 document was formally adopted as the New River Valley's Regional Strategic Plan. This document sets new directions in the regional economy and determines how best to invest public resources to meet identified needs. The Appalachian Regional Commission approved a grant to support implementation of several elements of Vision 2020.
Giles Business Incubator
The Town of Narrows is in the process of revitalizing their downtown. A cornerstone of the downtown revitalization project is the renovation of a former Chevrolet dealership into a small business incubator. The NRVPDC has helped the Town administer the grant funds, and has also assisted the Giles Business Incubator Board in developing policies and procedures for running the incubator.
Foreign Trade Zone Application
The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, with support from NRVPDC staff, drafted an application to pursue designation of a general purpose Foreign Trade Zone and User Fee Airport to be located at the New River Valley Airport. It would serve business and industry conducting international trade. Table of Contents
The NRVPDC continued to be actively involved in Army Ammunition Plant reuse issues on a national level July 1996 through June 1997. Holly Lesko, NRVPDC staff, completed her third year as the national community representative on the Public Private Task Force (PPTF) for ammunition plant reuse. The PPTF met four times during this period and Ms. Lesko attended three of these meetings. Additionally, Ms. Lesko chairs the Community Involvement Subcommittee for the PPTF which regularly reports to the full Task Force. Unfortunately, this effort is no longer funded through the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA). The Army is looking for ways to fund this effort directly, however, this has not happened to-date. Ms. Lesko also serves on the Marketing, Alternative Financing, and Facility Excessing Subcommittees of the Task Force. The Marketing Subcommittee has developed a national marketing strategy for the ammunition plants involved in reuse and has developed web sites for each of the facilities involved. The NRVPDC was directly involved in assisting the Radford Army Ammunition Plant develop their web site. Table of Contents
Vision 2020 Implementation
Vision 2020, completed in 1995, continues to be used by planners, administrators and citizens across the New River Valley. In addition to the binder of background studies, and a summary of the strategy itself, there is an internet version on the NRVPDC's homepage at http://www.bev.net/blacksburg/pdc/index.html.
To help with the practical implementation of this regional plan, the NRVPDC applied for and received a small grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The NRVPDC is working with the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) to sustain work on "do-able" projects, a newsletter, a database of Vision 2020 related projects, and develop benchmarks and indicators for Vision 2020. The first "do-able" project that was identified by the Vision 2020 Steering Committee and Leadership Council was the "Tot-Links" program coordinated through the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and the Resource Mothers of the New River Health District. Giles and Pulaski County Libraries are using this program as a model for developing their "Moms, Pops & Tots" program, which they hope to initiate in spring of 1998. In addition, a volunteer leadership development group is working with the Leadership Committee of the VAC to develop a "Volunteer Fair" early in 1998. Table of Contents
New River Valley Competitiveness Center and Montgomery Enterprise Development Center
The New River Valley Development Corporation (NRVDC) continues to work with the
NRVPDC on the construction of the New River Valley Competitiveness Center. The NRVDC
received a $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and a low
interest loan in the amount of $1.4 million from Rural Development for the construction of the
30,000 square foot incubator facility. This facility will be located in the New River Industrial
Park in Pulaski County. It will provide local entrepreneurs the opportunity to lease
competitively priced light manufacturing, industrial and office space while providing tenants
with low cost, shared services. The Competitiveness Center will also offer office space to
regional organizations including the NRVDC, the NRVPDC, and the New River Valley
Economic Development Alliance. A ground breaking ceremony is anticipated for late
November 1997.
Part of the EDA grant submitted by the NRVDC included $1.2 million for the renovation of the Health-Tex building in Montgomery County. This building is now referred to as the Montgomery Enterprise Development Center in order to address the creation of jobs through small business economic development. This small business incubator will provide a multi-tenant facility to house industrial and commercial tenants in conjunction with a community re-development and revitalization plan. Phase I renovations involve the front portion of the two story, 58,000 sq. ft. building. The Center will house approximately 60% office space and 40% light industrial space. Design and bid preparations are currently underway. Table of Contents
In FY 1997, the NRVPDC transportation program marked several accomplishments, described below, with funding support from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) advises the NRVPDC on transportation matters and serves as a forum for the discussion of transportation issues pertinent to the New River Valley. The TAC provides input and guidance to NRVPDC staff responsible for carrying out transportation planning activities.
Intermodal Feasibility Study
This study arose from the interest of several area groups in pursuing redevelopment of a portion of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP) Dublin site as an intermodal transportation center. Specifically, the concept involves the proposed center serving as a modal change point for containers and roll-on/roll-off trailers from highway to rail and vice-versa. The RFAAP Dublin site is in close proximity to Interstate 81 and has a rail spur connected to the Norfolk Southern main line, which is part of the railroad's designated double-stack container route network.
This project examined the following issues: commercial transportation practices; transportation costs and competition; international trade in the New River Valley; feasibility of Foreign Trade Zone development in the New River Valley; existing facilities at the RFAAP Dublin site; facility and equipment needs; implications of the proposed Norfolk Southern/CSX/Conrail merger; and development and operation alternatives. Follow-up work during FY 1998 will address marketing and cost issues.
Blacksburg-Roanoke Transit Service Feasibility Study
This project was a joint effort of the New River Valley and Fifth PDCs to investigate the
feasibility of transit service between Roanoke/Salem and Blacksburg. The study included three
main components: an inter-city bus service demand model was used to estimate potential initial
ridership; 1990 Census Transportation Planning Package and Nationwide Personal
Transportation Survey data was examined; and a survey of persons who commute between the
Roanoke and New River Valleys was conducted.
New River Valley Regional Rail Station Study - Phase II
This study was the second and final phase of an effort to identify potential passenger rail station
locations in the New River Valley. This work was precipitated by the State's feasibility study of
passenger rail service between Bristol, Virginia and Washington, D.C./Richmond. Phase II
involved development of station area plans by the Community Design Group, consultant for the
project. Station area plans were developed for potential station locations in Christiansburg,
Radford, Dublin, and Pulaski. Phase II of the Rail Station Study was funded by the Virginia
Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Pre-Allocation Hearing Presentation
In early 1997, local governments in the New River Valley, through the TAC, developed a set of
regional primary highway improvement priorities. These priorities were presented to the
Commonwealth Transportation Board at the VDOT Pre-Allocation Hearing in Salem on March
12, 1997.
Development of Transportation Scope of Work
The transportation scope of work for FY 1998 was developed with input and participation from the TAC. Among items included in the scope of work were the following projects: Intermodal Center Follow-Up and Marketing; New River Valley Transit Study; and Transportation Roundtable. Table of Contents
New River Valley Regional Jail Authority
The New River Valley Regional Jail Authority expanded, adding three new member jurisdictions. The counties of Floyd, Wythe, and Carroll joined the authority in mid-March of 1997. Prior to the expansion, authority membership included Pulaski, Giles, Grayson, and Bland counties and the City of Radford. The Authority purchased 27.79 acres in the Dublin Industrial Park for the construction of the 348 bed facility. The New River Valley Regional Jail is the last facility in the state to qualify for the 50% funding level through the Department of Corrections. After this, other localities requesting construction funding will be eligible for funds as authorized by the General Assembly. A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is anticipated for early August 1997. Table of Contents
Recycling Industrial Technical Assistance
The Appalachian Regional Recycling Consortium (ARRC), part of the NRVPDC, received
funding from the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SE/R-CAP) to continue
its industrial technical assistance program.
The purpose of the Recycling Industrial Technical Assistance Program is to provide the
information and technical assistance necessary for business to make environmentally sound
economic decisions. The concept is to promote the utilization of locally recovered materials by
local industries and to assist in reducing the volume and/or toxicity of waste generated as a by-product of manufacturing. The incorporation of recycled materials in manufactured products
can help make industries more competitive, both locally and internationally. In addition to being
environmentally responsible, products with recovered material content are a requirement for
many Federal and State contracts.
Some Industrial Technical Assistance services include information on incentive and recycling tax credit programs, training workshops, on-site waste audits, and waste exchange programs. Table of Contents
Four staff members, Dave Rundgren, Shirl Quesenberry, Pat Therrien, and Gregg Zody, attended the Development District Association of Appalachia Technology Workshop held at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Center in Kingsport, Tennessee. The staff served as facilitators of two groups attending the session on "Developing the Vision - Linking Districts with Each Other, the States, and ARC". The purpose of the Workshop was to bring together local development districts (LDD) to brainstorm about the possibility of linking all of the Districts, States, and ARC through a high speed infrastructure fiber-optic connection. The PDC staff brought to the sessions their expertise from previous participation in Group Facilitation Methods Workshops. Table of Contents
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)
GIS and GPS continues to be an important part of the NRVPDC's regional mapping standards.
The GPS equipment acquired by the NRVPDC uses a network of satellites and land-based
receivers to locate positions on the ground with a high degree of accuracy. The GPS can be used
to locate all types of man-made and natural features for mapping purposes. The GPS equipment
was acquired through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as part of a
"Shared and Distributed GIS/GPS System" with three other PDCs - Fifth, Mount Rogers, and
Central Shenandoah.
PDC staff attended a three day training session on the GPS which was coordinated by Anderson and Associates in Blacksburg. A representative from Trimble, a GPS manufacturer, provided the instruction on the basic operation of GPS receivers. Table of Contents
Renovation of Warehouse Building #113
The Town of Dublin completed its renovation of Warehouse Building #113 in the summer of 1997, and rented it to ASC immediately upon its completion. In addition to complementing the architecture of the newly-completed Town Hall, the renovated warehouse is serving as a model for future renovations of warehouse buildings in the Dublin Industrial Park. The Economic Development Administration, which funded the renovation of Building #113 in partnership with the Town, has invited Dublin to apply for further grant funding to renovate two additional warehouse buildings. Table of Contents
The Town of Narrows was awarded a Community Improvement Grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $700,000 to revitalize their downtown. A cornerstone of the downtown revitalization project is the renovation of a former Chevrolet dealership into a small business incubator that will be a "satellite" to the New River Valley Competitiveness Center. In December 1996, an additional grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission was awarded to assist with this project. The NRVPDC has helped the Town administer the grant funds, and has also assisted the Giles Business Incubator Board with the development of policies and procedures for running the incubator. Table of Contents
City of Radford Land Use Study
NRVPDC staff assisted the City of Radford's Planning Commission in conducting a vacant land study on several large parcels in the City. Social and economic considerations such as commercial and industrial needs, housing demand, population trends, and service infrastructure were evaluated to determine the best uses of the lands in the development of the City. Major components of the study included land use recommendations and maps of vacant land, future land use, and service infrastructure. Table of Contents
City of Radford Downtown Study
NRVPDC staff conducted an extensive survey of land use patterns in the Radford Central Business District to determine the vacancy rates in second and third floor buildings which could potentially serve as retail space for merchants. Accompanying the study was a two-part parking study, a land use inventory, and a structural survey. These culminated into two reports, the first was a Downtown Study, and the second served as the basis for a Downtown Master Redevelopment Plan. The latter report was submitted as part of a Community Improvement Grant for a downtown parking facility and pedestrian walkway to attract more consumers into Radford's Central Business District. Table of Contents
Radford's 21st Century Committee
NRVPDC staff have been working with a committee of local business, academic, and government individuals to assess the strengths and opportunities for change in the City of Radford. The 21st Century Committee, appointed by the City Council, has been visioning, researching, and brainstorming for several months. The draft report contains recommendations for the development of a riverfront walkway, an assessment study for a downtown conference center, investigating the feasibility of a high speed internet loop for the City, a passenger rail station, and numerous regional cooperation projects. The 21st Century Committee should be making their presentation and recommendations to the City Council before the end of this year. Table of Contents
Narrows Comprehensive Plan Update
The Narrows Comprehensive Plan update has been a "work in progress" over the past several
years due to staff changes at the NRVPDC. The Plan features updated demographic data as well
as revised goals and objectives that were facilitated by Virginia Tech students during community
meetings. The update of the Plan is anticipated to be formally adopted by the Narrows Town
Council in mid-October.
Table of Contents
Giles County Comprehensive Plan Update
In January 1997, the NRVPDC began the year long process of updating and revising the Giles County Comprehensive Plan. NRVPDC staff acted as facilitators to a subcommittee selected by the Giles County Planning Commission which was comprised of citizens, business representatives, and civic and community leaders. The subcommittee's role has been to ensure that a cross section of County representation was participating in the revision process. Subcommittee members continue to participate in the entire process, from the demographic data sections, trends and issues, goals/objectives/strategies, to develop the future land use plan. The final revision is expected to be completed in early 1998. Table of Contents
Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan Update
In late Spring 1997, NRVPDC staff began working with the Pulaski County Planning Commission in revising the County Comprehensive Plan. Items to be addressed include background demographic data, trends and issues, goals and objectives, and selected future land use alternatives. The final product is expected to be completed in late Spring 1998. Table of Contents
NRVPDC staff assisted the Pearisburg Planning Commission in updating the Town's Zoning Ordinance in light of a recent agreement for a boundary adjustment. Staff provided the Commission with technical assistance in redefining several districts, and developing a new zoning map which reflects the boundary adjustment for submission to the Commission on Local Government. The Zoning Ordinance revision process is expected to be completed by Spring 1998. Table of Contents
The NRVPDC is providing staff support and technical assistance to the Jacksonville Center,
located in Floyd. It is a regionally focused economic development project promoting rural
culture, arts and community. The Center is located just outside the Town of Floyd on Route 8.
It occupies a little over four acres of land with a 10,000 square foot partially remodeled barn, a
"creamery," and an office building. The Jacksonville Center has been hosting events for the past
year, ranging from contra dancing and story telling, to the first and second Annual WinterFest.
The Jacksonville Center was started by a group of local citizens in the Winter of 1995. Incorporated as a not-for-profit business, the Jacksonville Center received its retroactive, provisional 501(c)3 status from the IRS in the Summer of 1996. Table of Contents
The following are grants that were submitted in FY 1996-97 to be funded in FY 1997-98.
Community Development Block Grants (Housing and Urban Development block grants through
the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.)
Pembroke Planning Grant. To develop a community medical clinic/pharmacy, together with a
Community Center, that will house child and adult care for Pembroke's citizens in general and
low-to-moderate income, elderly and disabled citizens in particular (submitted 4/97; funded).
Pearisburg Planning Grant. To rehabilitate the Pearis Theater into a multi-use business-training-entrepreneurial facility (submitted 4/97; not funded).
Economic Development Administration
Planning Grant Assistance from the Economic Development Administration. The planning grant
assistance affords the Planning District Commission, as a designated Economic Development
District, the support to provide economic development assistance, direct business assistance,
regional information, coordination, planning, and administration (submitted 6/97; funded).
Appalachian Regional Commission
Planning Grant Assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The planning
grant assistance affords the Planning District Commission, as a Local Development District, the
resources to provide technical and planning assistance to ARC-eligible localities in the New
River Valley Planning District Commission (submitted 6/97; funded).
The Pembroke Center. The Center will include office space for civic organizations, a library,
medical clinic/pharmacy, grocery store, and recreation space (submitted 5/97; funded).
Route 811 Water and Sewer Improvements. This project consists of installing water and sewer
lines along with a pump station in order to serve 14 homes off Route 811 in Floyd County
(submitted 5/97; funded).
Hardwood Utilization Consortium. This project will look at the needs and opportunities for
value-added hardwood processing across the Appalachian Region of Virginia (submitted 5/97;
not funded).
Virginia Procurement Pipeline (VPP). This project proposes to enhance the already existing
VPP by collecting additional information about Virginia companies (submitted 5/97; not
funded).
American College Testing (ACT) WorkKeys Center. The primary goal of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of the work force in the New River Valley through the establishment of a regional authorized American College Testing (ACT) WorkKeys Center at New River Community College (submitted 5/97; not funded).
Glen Lyn Industrial Park. This project would purchase a 13.5 acre combined parcel which
would provide new industrial lots for Giles County (submitted 5/97; not funded).
Foreign Trade Zone Application
The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance (NRVEDA) examined the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) concept for approximately one year prior to FY 1997. The NRVEDA then decided to pursue designation of a general purpose FTZ to be located in the New River Valley. The NRVPDC, in support of the NRVEDA, contributed considerable staff time to the FTZ application effort. NRVPDC staff developed the draft application document, in coordination with the NRVEDA, and provided additional follow-up information to NRVEDA's FTZ consultant. Table of Contents
July 1996
The NRVPDC did not hold a meeting because the Executive Director attended the Virginia
Association of Planning District Commission's Annual meeting.
August 1996
During this meeting, John Williamson, a representative of the New Century Council Governance
Committee, made a presentation to the Commission concerning the NRVPDC becoming a
Partner in the New Century Council. The Appalachian Regional Commission Priorities for FY
97 were established. Mr. Ron Poff, a representative of American Electric Power (AEP),
presented a map of the 765kV transmission line proposed by AEP as well as a history of the
project from March 1990 to today.
September 1996
The FY 97 ARC Project Package was presented and approved for submittal. The PDC reviewed
the U.S. Forest Service's Draft Environmental Impact Statement and a resolution on criteria for
the location of the proposed 765kV transmission line.
October 1996
The main topic of discussion was the Regional Competitiveness Act which would allow districts
to form a partnership and be eligible to receive funds for a five year program. The
Commissioners authorized Mr. Rundgren to form a Steering Committee to pursue the possible
formation of a partnership.
November-December 1996
The November and December meetings were combined due to holiday conflicts. The Executive
Committee presented their recommendation to set the per capita local assessment at 55 cents for
FY 97-98. The Commission also voted to rescind their September resolution of approval for the
location of the 765kV transmission line as a result of regulatory actions.
January 1997
During this meeting, the Regional Competitiveness Act was discussed. It was recommended that
an invitation be extended to all local governments to join in a partnership, to be made up of
Commissioners and the Alliance's Executive Committee. Also, the Virginia Community
Development Block Grant Regional Priorities for 1997 were set; the number one priority group
includes: Water and/or Sewer Improvements, Central Business District Revitalization, Housing
Preservation, Microenterprise Assistance, and Industrial Employment Creation/Retention.
February 1997
The NRVPDC did not hold a meeting this month.
March 1997
The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) accomplishments and activities for FY 96 were presented by Patrick Burton, NRVPDC Transportation Planner. He stated that Phase I of a Regional Rail Passenger Station Study had been completed. He further stated that three priorities were established by the TAC for presentation at the Virginia Department of Transportation Pre-Allocation Hearing which are as follows: (1) continued funding of projects that are already included in the Six Year Improvement Program, (2) establishment of comprehensive support of regionally significant improvements that should be added to the Six Year Improvement Program as ongoing projects are completed, and (3) expression of support for concepts such as passenger rail service from Bristol, Virginia to Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C.; increased support for transit; continued funding for Virginia's Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Enhancement Program; bicycle and pedestrian paths connectivity; and international trade routes (such as Route 219/Continental One Corridor proposed to pass through the New River Valley).
April 1997
The Commissioners prioritized the five goals and selected the top seven strategies for the goals
and objectives for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) program priorities. The
program priorities are to be used by NRVPDC staff to evaluate the projects for the ARC Project
Package for FY 97-98. The FY 97-98 Transportation Work Program was reviewed and adopted.
The differences between the Regional Cooperation Act and the Regional Competitiveness Act
were discussed.
May 1997
A public hearing was held on the Vision 2020 document to adopt it as the Commission's
Regional Strategic Plan. The ARC Project Package for FY 97-98 was reviewed and adopted.
The FY 96-97 revised budget and the draft FY 97-98 budget were reviewed and adopted.
June 1997
The Vision 2020 document was adopted as the Commission's Regional Strategic Plan. Dr. James Bohland, Chairman of the NRVPDC, resigned effective August 1, 1997. He accepted a new administrative position as Director of the new School of Public International Affairs at Virginia Tech. Table of Contents
The Appalachian Regional Recycling Consortium Tire Shredding Program is now providing
scrap tire service to only the localities in the New River Valley.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Tire Program shifted plans in 1997 and
provided a one time "clean sweep" program for all of the localities in southwestern Virginia.
The contract for these services was awarded to a company in North Carolina, U.S. Tire
Recycling. They removed 545,812 tires from southwestern Virginia at a cost of $605,851 to the
Waste Tire Trust Fund. Localities who were served by Phase 1 of the ARRC scrap Tire
Program are now on their own and must make arrangements for handling their scrap tires.
The Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority (MRSWA), representing Montgomery
County, the Towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University; and the New River Resource Authority (NRRA), representing Pulaski County,
the City of Radford, the Town of Dublin, and MRSWA; are presently using the ARRC mobile
tire shredder through a leasing arrangement with the NRVPDC.
The tire shredder has eliminated approximately 37,000 tires this year in the New River Valley. Table of Contents
If you have any questions or comments regarding this annual report, please contact Jan Reynolds, (540)639-9313.
Last Edited: 1/6/98