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The Development District Association of Appalachia
(DDAA) held its annual conference in Arlington, Virginia,
March 18th-20th. The DDAA is an association of the 71 Local Development Districts
(LDDs) within the 13 State
area served by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). LDDs are multi-jurisdictional planning and
coordinating organizations governed by local elected and appointed officials representing communities within the
districts. The New River Valley Planning District Commission was responsible for planning this year's conference
under the guidance of Dave Rundgren, Vice President of the DDAA. The conference focused on "Prosperity in
Appalachia: Tools, Resources, and Strategies for the 21st Century". Attendees reported that the conference was a
great success!
There were
four workshops with nine panelists presenting information on the following topics: "How to use new
technology in economic development strategies," "Sustainability in economic development," "Succession concerns-the aging of leadership," and "Resources and tools for rural prosperity." Keynote speakers included David Crockett,
President of the Chattanooga Institute in Tennessee, and Timothy Hayes, Executive Director of the Sustainability
Technology Park Authority in Virginia.
Congressional awards were given to the Honorable Zach Wamp from Tennessee and the Honorable Paul Sarbanes
from Maryland. In add
ition, the John D. Whisman Award was presented to 86 year old Gayle Lawson from
Kentucky. Mr Whisman was instrumental in the establishment of the ARC.
The highlight of the 2001 conference was the "Tour of the States" which showcased examples and results of the ARC's investments in the Appalachian Region through 13 State displays. The displays illustrated how "preparation" investments address the prosperity and sustainability of the Region into the future. For further information on the DDAA, please visit their web site at www.ddaa.org. Main Menu
The Planning District Commission continues to administer the Community Improvement Grant awarded to the City of Radford by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for the construction of the Women's Resource Center Transitional Housing Facility.
Staff is excited to report the construction phase of this new facility is 75 percent complete. The project, designed
by Architectural Alternatives of Blacksburg, Virginia is a three-story cluster of eight apartments plus a common
community room, playroom, laundry, and office space for Women's Resource Center staff.
This facility will provide safe shelter for victims of domestic violence for a longer period of time than can be accommodated by the emergency shelter. Women's Resource Center staff will provide supportive services to the families of this facility as they work toward independence. July 1 is the anticipated date the first families will be served by this facility. For further information, contact Janet McNew at (540) 639-9313, ext. 202. Main Menu
Floyd County Comprehensive Plan
NRVPDC staff has assisted the Floyd-Floyd County Planning Commission in creating an outline for upcoming comprehensive plan-related events. In advance of community meetings, a press release has been drafted for the local newspaper which explains the purpose of the comprehensive plan and the goal of the community meetings. NRVPDC staff will facilitate the community meetings, which will begin with a review of recent trends. There have been strong growth trends in Floyd County, including population growth of 16% in the past ten years, according to new Census data. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Welfare Reform II: The Partners for Self-Sufficiency
Great News! The five local Department of Social Services agencies, known collectively as the Partners for Self-Sufficiency, were recently awarded a large grant ($471,178.00) to implement employment strategies for the hard-to-serve population. The grant will allow the agencies to partner with New River Community College to create a job-readiness and job retention program equipped with the latest computer technology. Funds will also be used to pay for professional diagnostic assessments on clients who may have serious barriers to employment, such as mental health and substance abuse problems, domestic violence issues, self-esteem issues, etc. These barriers to employment will be tracked using a newly created database that will help the region follow each client's progress toward self-sufficiency.
An important part to the success of this grant program is having the needed community-based volunteer support in place. The Partners for Self-Sufficiency are currently working with the New River Valley Voluntary Action Center to raise additional funds devoted to civic education, volunteer development, and private sector involvement. Volunteers are needed to transport clients to and from the job-readiness courses, to provide on-site childcare for clients, and to establish a Dress-for-Success clothing closet filled with business attire for interviews. The New River Valley Planning District Commission will help oversee the grant implementation and evaluation process. For further information, contact Raquel Becerra, (540)639-9313, ext. 209. Main Menu
Glen Lyn Town Council recently adopted the new Comprehensive Plan update. Following the enhancement of the maps by PDC staff, copies of the document will be sent to the Town. One of the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan is that the Town implement zoning to help guide future development and assure that the limited land base is used in the most efficient and effective manner. Other goals noted in the Plan include economic diversification, higher civic involvement, improved recreation opportunities, and enhanced housing options. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Tyler Avenue/Rt. 177 CorridorThe final piece of the Route 177 Corridor Study Update, Criteria for Decreasing Open Space Requirements, has been completed. In March, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors approved the Corridor Study Update. Radford City Council recently reviewed the Update and will vote on it in April as part of their overall Comprehensive Plan Update. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
The Town of Pulaski Planning Commission is continuing to review their zoning ordinance. They are looking closely at all parts of the ordinance. Continuing discussions include signage limitations and parking requirements. For further information, contact Dave Rundgren, (540)639-9313, ext. 212. Main Menu
Workforce Investment BoardThe New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board and the Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium recently approved the area Strategic Plan for Program Year 2001 beginning July 1, 2001. The area Strategic Plan reflects current and long-range workforce initiatives designed to better prepare our workforce to meet existing employer needs as well as steps to be taken to properly prepare our workforce for changes rapidly occurring in our local workforce development environment.
The Workforce Investment Board recently received proposals from interested entities for funding consideration as One-Stop Centers, One-Stop Operators and Deliverers of Services to adults, dislocated workers, youth and welfare-to-work clients. The WIB One-Stop Delivery System Committee and Youth Council are charged with the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating all proposals received as well as preparing funding recommendations to be presented to both the Workforce Investment Board and the Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium for approval. It is projected that a funding recommendation will be completed by April 13, 2001, with action by the Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium on April 18, 2001, and action by the Workforce Investment Board on April 25, 2001. All approved components of the procured service delivery system must be in place and operational prior to July 1, 2001.
Memorandums of Understanding between the WIB and local One-Stop Program Partners will be developed and negotiated once funding has been approved and prior to July 1, 2001. The procured service delivery system is approved for one year with an option to extend one additional year.
Services continue to be provided to area customers via One-Stop Centers and a one-stop delivery system, which includes various satellite facilities where services are accessible.
The Virginia Workforce Council has determined that all local One-Stop Centers and satellite facilities will have signage reflecting that each site is a part of the "Virginia Workforce Network." The placement of the appropriate signs will be handled through the State WIA Unit and should occur some time after July 1, 2001. For further information, contact Ronnie Martin, (540) 633-6764, ext. 233. Main Menu
New River Valley Competitiveness Center
Tenant News
ACT MicroDevices, Inc. moved to their new facility in the Blacksburg Industrial Park during March. They occupied over 3,000 sq. ft. of office and manufacturing space at the time of their move. The Center is proud to have been part of their growth. During the fourteen months they were at the Competitiveness Center they added over 100 new jobs to the local economy. Congratulations to ACT and best wishes for continued success.
The space vacated by ACT MicroDevices made other moves possible within the Center. Staff Contracting, Inc., specializing in Golf Course construction, moved from a single office space to four offices. Integrated Consulting and Contracting will move into the office Staff is leaving providing an additional 200 sq. ft. for their operation. Finally, Brightside Press moved to the area ACT had for their sales group. The 622 sq. ft. bay is just the size for efficient production of books. The moves will leave between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet of space available for new tenants. For the first time in nine months we are looking for businesses to join our business incubator. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Wayne at (540) 633-6731.
Expansion News
The Center announced it's plans for a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion, and that Architectural Alternatives, Inc. was selected for the project. Plans and specs should be completed soon so that contract bids can be solicited in July. This should lead to the start of construction near the end of September. Look for more information as plans continue.
Seventh Graders Visit the Center
On March 21, approximately 120 seventh graders from John N. Dalton Intermediate School in Radford came to the Center for a field trip. Wayne Carpenterexplained to them the purpose of the Center as a business incubator and then led a discussion of what it takes to start your own business. Before leaving, the students were given a quick tour of the Center. The Center appreciates their interest in the facility. For further information on the Center, contact Wayne Carpenter at (540) 633-6731. Main Menu
February 22, 2001 (held on March 1)
Executive Director's Report
Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items: (1) Community Development Block Grant Applications will be due on April 18, 2001; (2) The VAPDC Winter Meeting focused on the types of activities the PDCs are doing in small business development and in housing, also on the desire to have Congress create a Southeast Regional Commission to provide programs similar to the Appalachian Regional Commission for the states along the east coast; (3) The staff is working on planning assistance projects for various localities, and the Tourism Alliance is working to develop a Tourism Plan for the Region.
VCDBG Program Regional Priorities - The Commission set VCDBG Program Regional Priorities as follows: Priority 1 - Comprehensive Development, Job Creation and Retention, Housing Rehabilitation; Priority 2 - Community Service Facilities, Community Facilities, Environment; Priority 3 - Housing Production, Entrepreneurship, and Development Readiness.
FY 01 Transportation Planning Work Program - The FY01 Transportation Planning Work Program was modified by removing the Blacksburg Signalization Study and the Southwest Virginia Multi-modal Transportation Planning Study and reprogrammed the $11,100 for a Study of Cougar Trail and the initial description of the NRV Regional Arterial Model. Main Menu
Executive Director's ReportMr. Rundgren reported on the following items: (1) DDAA Conference held March 18-20 in Arlington included workshops focusing on sustainability, technology, succession relating to aging of leadership, and tools for rural prosperity; and each State displayed highlights of Appalachian issues, projects and challenges. The conference was well attended, 385 participants from 71 districts; (2) The PDC submitted an application to the Economic Development Administration for grant monies up to $570,000 for river access projects in the New River Valley.
EDA Revolving Loan Fund - The Commission authorized the Executive Director to establish a Revolving Loan Fund for the New River Valley using funds authorized by the EDA.
April Commission Meeting - Mr. Rundgren requested that a portion of the next meeting on April 26th be devoted to a facilitated discussion of the region's future.
All Commission meetings are open to the public and are held on the fourth Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m., at 6580 Valley Center Drive, in Fairlawn, VA. Main Menu
All NRV jurisdictions experienced decreases in their labor force and unemployment between the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2000. Pulaski County displayed the largest decrease in both labor force (549 persons) and unemployment (2.0%).
|
AGGREGATE LABOR FORCE | ||
|
Jurisdiction |
3rd Qtr 2000 |
4th Qtr 2000 |
|
Floyd County |
7,184 |
7,019 |
|
Giles County |
8,727 |
8,651 |
|
Montgomery County |
39,134 |
38,883 |
|
Pulaski County |
18,351 |
17,802 |
|
Radford City |
7,035 |
6,932 |
|
New River Valley |
80,431 |
79,286 |
|
Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE | ||
| Jurisdiction | 3rd Qtr 2000 | 4th Qtr 2000 |
| Floyd County | 6.2% | 4.2% |
| Giles County | 5.0% | 4.6% |
| Montgomery County | 1.8% | 1.4% |
| Pulaski County | 6.5% | 4.5% |
| Radford City | 3.2% | 2.5% |
| New River Valley | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
The NRV's population grew 8.2% from 1990 to 2000 with the Town of Pearisburg showing the largest increase (32.2%) and Shawsville showing the largest decrease (18.3%).
|
Population
|
Numeric | Percent Change | ||
| 1990 | 2000 | Change | 1990-2000 | |
| Virginia | 6,189,197 | 7,078,515 | 889,318 | 14.4% |
| Floyd County | 11,965 | 13,874 | 1,909 | 16.0% |
| Floyd Town | 396 | 432 | 36 | 9.1% |
| Giles County | 16,366 | 16,657 | 291 | 1.8% |
| Glen Lyn | 170 | 151 | -19 | -11.2% |
| Narrows | 2,082 | 2,111 | 29 | 1.4% |
| Pearisburg | 2,064 | 2,729 | 665 | 32.2% |
| Pembroke | 1,064 | 1,134 | 70 | 6.6% |
| Rich Creek | 670 | 665 | -5 | -0.7% |
| Montgomery County | 73,913 | 83,629 | 9,716 | 13.1% |
| Blacksburg | 34,590 | 39,573 | 4,983 | 14.4% |
| Christiansburg | 15,004 | 16,947 | 1,943 | 12.9% |
| Elliston-Lafayette CDP | 1,243 | 1,241 | -2 | -0.2% |
| Merrimac CDP | 1,713 | 1,751 | 38 | 2.2% |
| Shawsville CDP | 1,260 | 1,029 | -231 | -18.3% |
| Pulaski County | 34,496 | 35,127 | 631 | 1.8% |
| Dublin | 2,012 | 2,288 | 276 | 13.7% |
| Fairlawn CDP | 2,399 | 2,211 | -188 | -7.8% |
| Pulaski | 9,985 | 9,473 | -512 | -5.1% |
| Radford City | 15,940 | 15,859 | -81 | -0.5% |
| New River Valley Planning District | 152,680 | 165,146 | 12,466 | 8.2% |
| Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. | ||||
Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
At the February 13, 2001 meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee the staff reported that two items from the Work Program for FY 2001 needed to be reprogrammed. The Blacksburg Signalization Study will be conducted by consultants as part of the Small Urban Area Study. The Southwest Virginia Multi-Modal Study, which was to be conducted with Virginia Tech, has been put on indefinite hold by Virginia Tech due to lack of additional research funding for the project. Consequently, staff submitted a recommendation that the funding be reprogrammed to New River Valley Regional Projects, specifically: Preliminary Data Collection for Regional Arterial Model and a Cougar Trail Study.
Staff presented a list of proposed projects for the FY 2002 Work Program. The proposed work program included a list of potential projects in the category New River Valley Regional Projects and General Technical Assistance. Committee members ranked the projects, which are listed in order below from most important to least: 1. Model of New River Valley Transportation 2. Park and Ride Study Parcel Identification 3. City of Radford Bikeway/Walkway Plan for Route 177 Corridor and Radford-to-Fairlawn 4. Expanding Public Transit in Radford 5. (Tie)New River Link Road 5. (Tie)Downtown Radford Parking Study 7. Franklin Pike Study (Floyd County).
Staff asked for comments or suggestions on the Draft Pre-Allocation Hearing Comments for the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which had been mailed to members prior to the meeting. Following minor updates, the Committee approved the Comments.
Michael Connelly presented a Plan for the Future of Public Transit in Blacksburg. A key reason to support Public Transit, he noted, is because one bus equals 40 cars in terms of transportation. There are several conditions required for Transit success including: reliability, quick and inexpensive service, frequency, clean and modern equipment, easy accessibility, service to prime destinations, and targeted marketing to riders. Moreover, it's essential that public transit be a part of a coordinated transportation plan and that good land use practices be used to insure high density in core areas. Mr. Connelly noted that operating grants have been maximized, now matching Virginia Tech dollars nearly 2 to 1.
Looking to the future, Mr. Connelly said that the Blacksburg Transit (BT) Capital Improvement Program includes both replacement and expansion components. Expansion includes additional buses, a facility expansion for the larger fleet, a Transportation Center (by 2006), full campus circulation service, and commuter service to Roanoke and Radford, and expanded local service to Christiansburg. He noted that BT was looking at serving additional park & ride lots such as Giles County and Interstate 81 locations; he offered to make the presentation to any local government bodies who were interested. The next Committee meeting is set for April 17, 2001. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
April 3 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM and Blacksburg PC Meeting - 7:30PM
April 9 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
April 10 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM;
April 16 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
April 17 - RPO TAC NRV Compet Center-Fairlawn-1:30PM
April 18 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
April 26 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu
May 1 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM and Blacksburg Town PC Meeting - 7:30PM
May 14 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
May 16 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
May 21 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
May 24 - NRVPPC Meeting - Fairlawn - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu
The New River Valley Planning District Commission has recently obtained a new web address: www.nrvpdc.org. Please update your links as necessary. The newest addition to the site is 2000 Census information for population and race for New River Valley jurisdictions. The NRVPDC would like to welcome two previous employees to its staff. Jeffery Scott, Regional Planner, and Kelly Atkinson, an intern from Virginia Tech. Jeff worked for the PDC 16 years ago and is currently working on the New River Access project. Kelly was an intern last summer and is now working on transportation issues. We look forward to working with them again and wish them the best of luck! Main Menu
Jacksonville Center - The Jacksonville Center has recently received Architectural and Engineering RFP's for the barn renovation for a Cultural Business Incubator. The responses have been reviewed and ranked and notifications to firms are being prepared. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206.
Local Emergency Planning Committee - The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) held its first meeting of the new year in March. NRVPDC staff announced changes in the SARA Title III Virginia Tier II reporting. Beginning in May, an electronic reporting system will be available in Virginia, which should simplify future updates. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/swercepp/tier2.htm or www.deq.state.va.us/sara3.
Joseph Zagrapan of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant reported that they will be conducting a "table top" emergency drill in June. He invited all LEPC members to attend. Members decided to hold the next meeting on-site during the drill. A full-scale drill is planned for October. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206.
NRV Bikeway/Walkway - The PDC will be coordinating a meeting to review the updated New River Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact Pat Therrien at (540) 639-9313, ext. 204. Main Menu
This newsletter is intended to serve as a forum for community interaction and discussion of successes and challenges as we work to achieve Vision 2020, the regional strategic plan. The Vision 2020 Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication. Please contact Lesley Howard at 540-552-7174 if you have an idea for an article, editorial, or project news that should be included.
Community Pursues Alleghany Branch Library
On January 22 petitions bearing 1,322 signatures in support of the new Alleghany Branch Library were presented to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. The library will be located at the entrance to the Eastern Montgomery High School just off US Rt.460 in Elliston.
Engineering studies of the site have been completed and Design Collaborative, Inc., of Virginia Beach was selected as the architect. They will be working with Oliver, Webb, Pappas & Rhudy, Inc., of Blacksburg. With input from the community and a Building Program generated by the Alleghany Building Committees, the architect will provide preliminary design drawings. The community will then launch a fundraising campaign.
At recent meetings of the Board of Supervisors, citizens have been telling members of the Board of the important need for a new library in eastern Montgomery County.
On March 9th, local citizens participated in a Focus Group Meeting to provide input to build a strategic operating plan for the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library for the next five years.
Invitation to the New River Watershed
Conservation Roundtable
An ad hoc committee met to plan the New River Watershed Conservation Roundtable. The committee, including representatives of North Carolina and West Virginia, agreed that the goal of the Roundtable is to develop a basin-wide strategic action plan focused on water quality and quantity. The tri-state plan will be composed of coordinated plans from each state. The committee will meet in April to combine stakeholder lists from the three states. The committee agreed that the strategic action plan should be a working document with equal representation for all stakeholders; with strong grassroots support, participation, and accountability; and with a vision and mission for the New River for today and for future generations. They plan to learn from and build on successful multi-state efforts such as the New River American Heritage Rivers Initiative and the Upper Tennessee River Watershed Strategic Plan.
Everyone interested in the New River is invited to join the Roundtable, including citizens, local government officials, businesses, industry, developers, farmers, students and community watershed organizations. For further information, please call Charlotte Burnett, New River Watershed Manager, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, at 540-643-2595.
APRIL 10 The
Easter Bunny has been hopping around the library site hiding eggs
for boys and girls. Join in the
fun!
APRIL 17 Local
Boy Scouts will visit the bookmobile to talk about their programs
and activities.
Everyone is invited. All activities are free. Programs are continuous between 4 and 5. They have activities planned for all ages�children to seniors. (The bookmobile does not run when schools are closed due to inclement weather.)
The Community Foundation of the New River Valley
(CFNRV) will
hold its Annual Meeting on May 22nd at the NRV Competitiveness Center
from 4 � 6:30 PM. 2001 Cycle 1
Grant Awards will be made, and new endowed funds and partnerships announced.
Robert Piscura and Associates is sponsoring the event.
The CFNRV is also co-sponsoring a journal workshop: Becoming Self-Anthropologists: Observing and Taking Wisdom from Our Lives, to be led by Andrea Kelso, May 10 (evening only), 11 & 12 (all day). Registration is $150; scholarships are available. Contact Holly Lesko, 552-3035 for additional information.
The Threshold Center still has space available for lease in Phase II. Phase II will be a perfect home for an incoming or growing business for light manufacturing, warehousing, assembly or laboratory use. Please contact Michael Abraham at 540-382-3426 or [email protected] for more information.
The EAGLES II Program of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley began its second year on February 16th with a class of 17 Fellows. This year�s class will participate in a self-directed series of workshops facilitated by Vicki Creed of Learning Partners, Inc., with a focus on building community capacity. For additional information, contact the Community Foundation of the New River Valley at 540-381-8999.
The Community Friendship Workshop (CFW) is seeking new members who are willing to learn the art of hand-quilting. The CFW, established in 1997, comprised of volunteers from the Floyd Community Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The proceeds from the sales of their arts and crafts benefit the community in a variety of ways. To inquire about joining CFW, please call 540-745-2105.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is hosting its first annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 11, starting at 12 noon, at the Great Oaks Country Club. For more information, please contact Bill Whitsett at 540-745-2110 or [email protected]. RSVP is also sponsoring the second annual Round and Square Bluegrass Dance featuring the Craig County Boys on Friday, April 27th from 7 � 11 PM at the Floyd County High School Cafeteria. For more information, call James Thornton at 540-745-3025 or Judy Weitzenfeld at 540-745-2105. Main Menu
If you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact Jan Reynolds, Newsletter Editor, (540)639-9313 or [email protected]
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Last Edited: 4/9/01