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In June, the Commonwealth Transportation Board announced its funding decisions for FY 2000-2001 Transportation Enhancement Grants. Project applications submitted by five NRV localities were successful in competing for Enhancement Grant funding. A total of 218 projects (requests totaling $77.3 million) from across the state competed for a share of the $19.4 million in available funding this year.
The City of Radford will receive $250,000 to be used in trail construction linking Bisset Park and Ingles Street along the New River. The City is partnering with the "Pathways for Radford" organization on this effort. For more information, call David Ridpath, Community Development Director, City of Radford at (540) 731-5047.
The Town of Blacksburg will receive $200,000 to carry out the "Wong Transportation and Historic Preservation Initiative." Through this project, the Town of Blacksburg will pursue acquisition of a historic property on Wilson Avenue. The acquisition will help provide a trail connection between the downtown area and a municipal park. For more information, call Darren Coffey, Senior Planner, Town of Blacksburg at (540) 961-1183.
Giles County will receive $250,000 to convert approximately 1.2 miles of old U.S. Rt. 460 right-of-way into a pedestrian and bicycle trail. The towns of Glen Lyn and Rich Creek have parks located on the New River at each end of the proposed trail. For more information, call Howard Spencer, Town Manager, Town of Glen Lyn at (540) 921-4979.
The Town of Pulaski will receive $100,000 to carry out Phase II of the "Maple Shade Project," in conjunction with the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley. Through this project, a transportation and history museum space will be developed on the site of the old Maple Shade Inn. For more information, call John Hawley, Town Engineer, Town of Pulaski at (540) 994-8616.
The Town of Christiansburg will receive $75,000 to support a streetscaping effort in Christiansburg's downtown. For more information, call Barry Helms, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Christiansburg at (540) 382-6128.
Congratulations to these localities and their partner organizations! Main Menu
Pulaski County Administrator, Joseph N. Morgan, received the Baker Achievement Award from
the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) at its Annual Summer
Meeting. The Baker Achievement Award, the Association's highest award, recognizes persons
who have been directly involved in planning district commission activities, and who have
contributed significantly to promoting regional planning and development in Virginia.
Mr. Morgan began his career as a County Administrator in 1977 in Nelson County, moving to Buckingham, then Greensville, and Halifax counties before coming to Pulaski County as County Administrator in 1986. Each of these localities is in a different Planning District, and he has effectively served each of the Commissions in various ways.
As a current member of the New River Valley PDC, Joe has been a driving force behind many of the area's regional projects. He was one of the first individuals to recognize the need for regional marketing, and served as a founding committee member to define the need for and the establishment of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance. He has also provided significant leadership in the Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, the New River Valley Regional Jail Authority, and the designation of the New River Valley Airport as a user fee airport and Foreign Trade Zone. In addition to working with the New River Valley PDC, Joe is completing his term as a Member of the VAPDC Board, and is returning to Halifax County as its Administrator.
Mr. Morgan has had a long and continuing influence in the development of his county, region, and the Commonwealth. He accepted this award "on behalf of all the regions he has worked for" and stressed the need for "teamwork" in order for projects to succeed. Main Menu
Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan
The Pulaski County Planning Commission's review of a draft of Volumes 1 and 2 of the update to the Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan made good progress at the July 18th meeting. The updated proposed future land use map and goals and objectives were reviewed, and additional modifications were made. Review of the six individual planning area documents will be taken up at a later date. The current plan is to complete the review, make the proposed modifications, and hold a public hearing prior to submitting the plan to the Board of Supervisors for their hearing and approval. For further information, contact Sid Cheek, (540)639-9313, ext. 203. Main Menu
The Planning District Commission is administering a $700,000 Community Improvement Grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to the City of Radford for the construction of the Women's Resource Center Transitional Housing Facility.
Bids for construction have been advertised and the $587,020 construction contract has been awarded to Independence Construction of West Virginia, LLC. The construction site has been cleared and grade work is currently in process. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2001.For further information, contact Janet McNew, (540) 639-9313, ext. 202. Main Menu
Floyd County Comprehensive Plan
The Floyd County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors recently held a joint work session in which the Planning District Commission presented the proposed new Subdivision Ordinance. Following review from the county staff and attorney, another joint work session will be scheduled.
The Floyd County Planning Commission is also resuming work on the Comprehensive Plan update. The Commission recently reviewed a needs assessment from a Social Services work session in the County. The Commission acknowledged the need for transportation assistance in the New River Valley region for special needs situations, such as medical or employment-related. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Floyd Regional Commerce Center - The full application for an $840,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration for the Floyd Regional Commerce Center has been submitted. The grant would provide for site improvements such as access roads and utility lines. The Floyd Regional Commerce Center is a new industrial center located just outside the town of Floyd. A related application is being prepared for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Community Economic Improvement Fund. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Jacksonville Center - Governor Gilmore recently announced that the Jacksonville Center, a non-profit arts and cultural center in Floyd, has won a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. Only $712,978 total was awarded statewide. The grant will be used to renovate the agricultural complex, in large part to complete the first floor of the barn as a rural cultural business incubator. This is a relatively new twist for state-supported incubators, but the proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the strong artist/artisan base in Floyd provide a unique alignment. The Feasibility Study and application was prepared by the Planning District Commission. The Jacksonville Center is still awaiting word on a Rural Development grant for $98,000 which would also be used for site work and renovation for the incubator. Likewise, the Center is in the running for a $50,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission's co-chair fund. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study Update - The Planning District Commission recently presented a draft update to the Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study. The NRVPDC has been the staff for the 177 Corridor Committee, composed of members of the City of Radford and Montgomery County planning commissions, planning staffs, and Corridor citizens. The Committee has been looking into existing conditions in the Corridor and listening to citizen concerns for several months. This update will bring together this information and present the Committee's recommendations, including changes to the Joint Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map. Another public meeting for citizens to review and comment on the recommendations is expected by September. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540) 639-9313, ext.205. Main Menu
State Transportation Hearing Held - The Commonwealth Transportation Board held a public meeting on transportation improvements for the Salem district at the Salem Civic Center on July 21, 2000. The Board members present heard concerns and requests from citizens, State legislators, and representatives of local governments. In developing a revised Six Year Improvement Program, the Board must incorporate the provisions of transportation funding legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2000 session. A tentative six year plan will be developed in late summer/early fall and a final allocation hearing will be held in Roanoke in October. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540) 639-9313, ext.205. Main Menu
New River Valley Competitiveness Center
Luxine, Inc. Joins Center as a New Business Tenant- Luxine, Inc. is a new tenant joining the Center on June 1. They have been incorporated since 1993, but in 1996 began a research and development project that lead them to a new business plan. After two years of research and development at the Corporate Research Center at Virginia Tech, Luxine is ready to begin production of induction heating elements for the commercial cooking industry. They currently occupy approximately 622 square feet of light manufacturing space and plan to expand to double that space within the next few months. Luxine, Inc. is owned by Nick and Barbara Bassill who serve as CEO and President respectively.
Regional Tenants Move In to Replace Graduates - Boyer-Crawford moved to their new facility at 6910 Doral Drive. This location is at the entrance to their new subdivision and provides them a strategic location for the continued quality development of Heron's Landing. Just a few days after Boyer-Crawford left, the two offices were occupied by the Workforce Investment Board for their administrative offices.
Likewise, Jamie Wyatt moved his insurance office to Fort Chiswell to better serve the customer base he developed in Wythe County. Within two weeks Jamie's office was rented to the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center for their area office to serve the New River Valley. Many of their clients require handicap accessibility which we are pleased is available at the Center. We look forward to having these new regional tenants join us.For further information on the Center, contact Wayne Carpenter (540) 633-6731. Main Menu
The Giles Business Incubator is a grant recipient of the Virginia Small Business Incubator Program for a $30,000 program support grant. This grant will be utilized to enhance the marketing and promotional programs and ensure long term program support and growth.
Anita Hines, Director, was elected to the Virginia Business Incubation Association (VBIA) Board of Directors at the Second Annual Small Business Incubator conference in Hampton, Va. on June 20, 2000. VBIA will focus on the creation of new jobs, new investment, and new business formation in Virginia.
The Giles Business Incubator hosted a Western Virginia Incubator Roundtable in Narrows on July 12, 2000. First Virginia Bank and Narrows Flower and Gift sponsored the event. Participants represented existing and future incubators from Danville, Roanoke, Coeburn, Marion, Staunton, Galax, Wytheville, Duffield, and Giles County. Rob Blackmore, Virginia Department of Business Assistance and ex-officio of the Virginia Small Business Incubation Association Board of Directors, attended as a special guest.
The Giles Business Incubator has assisted in the development of 33 new jobs in Giles County through its entrepreneurial program. For your start-up or expanding business ideas, contact us at (540) 726-3888 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Main Menu
Executive Director's Report - Mr. Rundgren reported on several items: T-21 Transportation Enhancement Grants Awarded Giles County (Rich Creek/Glen Lyn trail) - $250,000; Maple Shade Project in Pulaski - $100,000; Trail and Bike Lanes in Radford - $250,000; Streetscape in Christiansburg - $75,000; Scenic/historic property in Blacksburg - $200,000; Jacksonville Center in Floyd - $250,000; EDA invites Floyd Industrial Park to apply for $800,000; Competitiveness Center expansion grant moving through the process; Commerce Park application being reviewed in Washington.
Nomination Committee Report/Election of Officers - The Nominating Committee nominated the following slate of officers for FY01-02 who were unanimously approved by the Board: Chairman, Mr. Fred Gerald; Vice-Chairman, Dr. Jim Moore; Treasurer, Mr. Scott Weaver. Main Menu
Vital Signs, Presentation by Dr. Terri Cornwell - Dr. Terri Cornwell, Hollins University, made a presentation about Vital Signs, Community Indicators for the New Century Region. Through numerous public meetings, discussion sessions, and extensive data analysis on topics such as population, community, education, economy, health, and environment, the document, Vital Signs, was published. The data show regional strengths, regional concerns, "subregional" issues, and highlight some of the many programs working toward positive change in the indicators. The publication focuses on sustainable development.
Executive Director's Report- Mr. Rundgren reported that Congressman Boucher announced that $4,086,00 in grant monies had been approved for the Commerce Park; Workforce Investment Act staff have been hired, Ronnie Martin, Clay Stein, and Missy Bray; New River Access Project is being discussed; and small area transportation plans are underway in several New River Valley areas.
NRVPDC Commission Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month, 7:30PM, at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center in Fairlawn. All meetings are open to the public. Main Menu
The NRV's 4th quarter wage data for 1998 and 1999 show an increase in average employment of 2,528 (3.9%) persons. The weekly wage increased ($25 or 4.9%), as did the number of establishments (43 or 1.3% ).
| AVERAGE EMPLOYMENT | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 4th Qtr | 4th Qtr |
| Floyd County | 2,384 | 2,521 |
| Giles County | 5,765 | 5,456 |
| Montgomery County | 32,418 | 33,882 |
| Pulaski County | 15,723 | 17,147 |
| Radford City | 8,826 | 8,638 |
| NRVPDC | 65,116 | 67,644 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 4th Qtr | 4th Qtr |
| Floyd County | 392 | 417 |
| Giles County | 518 | 555 |
| Montgomery County | 497 | 519 |
| Pulaski County | 537 | 579 |
| Radford City | 564 | 567 |
| NRVPDC | 514 | 539 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 4th Qtr | 4th Qtr |
| Floyd County | 270 | 279 |
| Giles County | 328 | 330 |
| Montgomery County | 1,735 | 1,755 |
| Pulaski County | 684 | 693 |
| Radford City | 394 | 397 |
| NRVPDC | 3,411 | 3,454 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
Car registrations increased throughout most of the District between the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2000. Floyd County showed the only decline (23). Truck registrations also increased throughout the NRV during the same time period, except Floyd and Giles Counties which decreased by 23 and 2 registrations, respectively. Between the 1st and 2nd quarters of 1999, car and truck registrations increased throughout the NRV.
| CAR REGISTRATIONS | ||
| Jurisdiction | 1st Qtr 2000 | 2nd Qtr 2000 |
| Floyd County | 104 | 81 |
| Giles County | 112 | 113 |
| Montgomery County | 607 | 628 |
| Pulaski County | 309 | 456 |
| Radford City | 92 | 123 |
| Total | 1,224 | 1,401 |
| Source: Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. |
| TRUCK REGISTRATIONS | ||
| Jurisdiction | 1st Qtr 2000 | 2nd Qtr 2000 |
| Floyd County | 69 | 46 |
| Giles County | 55 | 53 |
| Montgomery County | 171 | 190 |
| Pulaski County | 113 | 117 |
| Radford City | 23 | 28 |
| Total | 431 | 434 |
| Source: Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. |
On July 5, 2000 Congressman Rick Boucher announced the provision of federal funding in the amount of $4,083,500
for site acquisition and development for Phase One of the New River Valley Commerce Park in Pulaski, Virginia,
adjacent to the New River Valley Airport. With the federal funding, 326 acres will be purchased , and purchase options
will be extended for an additional period of time on approximately 600 additional acres. Phase One of the project also
includes construction of a one mile access road leading from Route 100 to the Commerce Park site and preliminary
grading work on the site. The total cost of Phase One of the Commerce Park project is $6,408,500. Of the federal
funding, $2,083,500 is being awarded as a low interest loan, and $2,000,000 is being provided as a federal loan
guarantee. In addition to the federal funding, the State of Virginia is providing $1,375,000 for Phase One of the project
through its Department of Housing and Community Development. Applications are currently pending for the
remaining $950,000 necessary to complete the Phase One project, and it is anticipated that those applications will be
approved in the near future.
The New River Valley Commerce Park is the product of a regional economic development effort undertaken by twelve counties, cities, and towns in the region. The Commerce Park will enable the New River Valley to accommodate a large technology based manufacturing facility and a number of other technology based companies. For further information contact Dave Rundgren (540) 639-9313, ext. 212. Main Menu
August 1 - Blacksburg PC Meeting - 7:30PM
August 7 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
August 8 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM
August 14 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
August 16 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
August 17 - 177 Comm. - Bethel Elem - Tyler Avenue - 7:00PM
August 21 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
August 24 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu
September 2000
September 4 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
September 5 - Blacksburg Town PC Meeting - 7:30PM
September 11 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
September 12 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM; Blacksburg/Montg. LEPC - 3:00PM
September 18 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
September 19 - RPO TAC - 1:30PM
September 20 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
September 28 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM
Main Menu Effective July 1, 2000, the NRVPDC became the fiscal agent for the region's Workforce Investment
Program. A Workforce Investment Department within the NRVPDC provides administrative staffing
for the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board and the New River/Mount Rogers
Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium. In 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This Act replaced
the Job Training Partnership Act, which had been in existence since 1983. Under WIA, employment
and training services are provided to customers by way of a delivery system consisting of
comprehensive one-stop centers located within each Workforce Investment Area. All services are
universally accessible. Customers are provided with a variety of core, intensive, and training services
based on the needs of the individual customer The thirteen jurisdictions within the third and fourth
planning districts comprise Workforce Investment Area 2 in Virginia. Pulaski County is the Grant
Recipient for WIA funds and designated the NRVPDC as the Fiscal Agent and Administrative Entity. The Workforce Investment Department of the NRVPDC is headed by Mr. Ronnie Martin, Executive
Director, who brings over 28 years of employment and training experience to the NRVPDC. Mr.
Clay Stein is the Assistant Director and Ms. Missy Bray is the Executive Assistant. You can reach
them at (540) 633-6764, 6580 Valley Center Drive, Box 23, Radford, VA 24141. The NRVPDC wishes to welcome the Workforce Investment Department staff and looks forward
to advancing in this new venture. Main Menu Community Foundation of the New River Valley Seats
Four New Board Members The Community Foundation of the New River Valley is proud to welcome four new members to its
volunteer Board of Directors. They began their three-year terms on June 1, 2000. C. Barry Anderson practices law from his office in Radford. He graduated from Radford High
School and took both undergraduate and graduate law degrees from the University of Virginia. He
is among the people who often lead hikes for the YMCA at Virginia Tech and currently chairs the
administrative board at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford. Joanne Bell is a graduate of Realtors Institute and a Certified Residential Specialist. An active
member of the National, Virginia and New River Valley Associations of Realtors (NRVAR), she has
been a realtor for 19 years. In 1997, she won the NRVAR Code of Ethics Award, and was NRVAR
Realtor of the Year in 1998. Joanne is the Director of the Pulaski County Rotary Club, Vice
President of the Fine Arts Center for the NRV and President of the Friends of the Pulaski County
Library. Kenneth M. Fleenor practiced private dentistry in Pulaski from 1963 to 1987, and was a Dentist in
Residence and Instructor at the Dental Hygeine Clinic at Wytheville Community College. Dr. Fleenor
was Director of the Dental Clinic for the Free Clinic of the New River Valley from 1997-98. He has
earned the silver Beaver Award of Merit and is currently on the Blue Ridge Mountain Council of the
Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of Pulaski Town Council, past President of the Lion's Club,
and on the Board of Directors of Randolph House. Perry Martin of Newport, Virginia, is our youngest Board member. At 23, he has already
distinguished himself as a community leader and Appalachian activist. He helped organize Preserving
Community Identity in the New River Valley: From Reflection to Action, hosted at Newport-Mount
Olive United Methodist Church in January this year. Perry has recently accepted the position of
Assistant Director at the Service Learning Center at Virginia Tech. Community Opportunities The Community Foundation of the New River Valley is requesting proposals for grants to support
work that enhances the quality of life in Virginia's New River Valley. Grants to be awarded in
November are from endowed funds. Youth Awareness Fund (support for informing the community about emerging issues with school
age children): $540 grant. Community Services Fund (support for general charitable purposes): $500 grant General Endowment Fund (support for work in any of the Foundation's fields of interest): three
(3) $500 grants are available. Applications are due (postmarked or received) no later than September 29, 2000. Original and seven
(7) copies required. Contact the Community Foundation by phone 540-381-8999; fax, 540-951-2990, or email [email protected] for additional information. The Kresge Foundation, through its "bricks and mortar" grant program, awards challenge grants
for construction, renovation, major capital equipment purchase and real estate acquisition. There is
no deadline--their board meets in March, June and September to review proposals. For more
information, contact Kresge Foundation, 3215 W. Big Beaver Rd., PO Box 3151, Troy MI, 48007-3151; (248)643-9630, or www.kresge.org The Surdna Foundation supports programs promoting the arts and effective citizenry, including
grants for K-12 projects, community revitalization, including some youth initiatives; the environment;
the nonprofit sector; and organizational capacity-building. There is no deadline, but prospective
applicants should submit a letter of inquiry first. Nonprofit organizations, including schools, may
apply. Contact Edward Skloot, Executive Director, Surdna Foundation, 330 Madison Ave., 30th
Floor, New York, NY, 10017-5001, (212)557-0010 or email [email protected], or
www.surdna.org Whitt-Riverbend Park Update The proposed 27.7 acre Whitt-Riverbend Park, fronting � mile of scenic New River shoreline in Giles County
near the Ripplemead/U.S. 460 bridge, needs concerted financial assistance to bring the river access park into
reality. The concept for the Whitt-Riverbend Park originated as a project component of National Committee
of the New River's (NCNR) three year (91-93) Giles County - New River Greenway Planning Project. This
riverside park represents the only potential overnight public primitive camping/ river access park along nearly
fifty miles of the New River between Claytor Lake dam and the Town of Narrows, near the West Virginia State
line. Without the support of NCNR and other river advocates, this beautiful river-bottom land may well be lost
to indiscriminate RV development, which unfortunately, the site is well suited. In January 2000, thanks largely to NCNR, the Float Fishermen of Virginia, and a wide array of other
conservation groups and individuals, an 18 month purchase option was executed on the property
between France and Judy Whitt, the property owners and the Town of Pearisburg. These groups
raised over $11,000 to cover the $10,000 option fee, leaving a balance of $124,650 on the purchase
price. The park site lies in a large bend of the New River and includes approximately 400 feet of frontage
along scenic Walker Creek at its confluence with the New. This stretch of river is heavily canoed and
fished and is considered by many river enthusiast to be one of the best, most scenic stretches of the
New River in Virginia. The majestic Palisades lie less that two miles up-river from the site. The town,
which will own and manage the park, intends to operate the park as a river access and primitive
camping facility. The Float Fishermen of Virginia have challenged NCNR to match its most recent contribution of
$1,000. All NCNR members and supporters are encouraged to contribute to the NCNR Whitt-Riverbend Park fund. Preliminary plans are underway to initiate another capital campaign beginning
this August. If you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact Jan Reynolds, Newsletter Editor, (540)639-9313 or [email protected]
Vision 2020 Newsletter
Last Edited: 8/14/00