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In 1997 the focus of the welfare system shifted to a "work first" approach through an overhaul of the social service delivery system. This included the adoption of new principles based upon personal responsibility, time-limited assistance, and work for the receipt of benefits. For many Virginians, the transition from welfare to work has been successful because of the VIP (Virginia Independence Program) and its work component, VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare). Studies conducted on Virginia's welfare numbers have found that while welfare caseloads have declined significantly, recipients with multiple barriers are at risk of reaching time limits on assistance.
To address this new population within the welfare reform arena, the five New River Valley Department of Social Services (DSS) Directors began working with New River Valley Planning District Commission to determine current needs and opportunities for local and regional demonstration projects. We have already completed an important first step in regional capacity building by hosting five welfare reform brainstorming sessions in all jurisdictions. These sessions provide the opportunity for participation by public, non-profit, and private sector community leaders. The main objective was to identify the most pressing needs for three target populations: hard-to-serve, working poor, and at-risk youth.
These sessions not only produced important information on the needs and issues facing each jurisdiction, they also were forums for participants to discuss local projects and programs that serve these populations. Participants across the New River Valley expressed many similar concerns, such as the need for affordable child care, youth programming, and better transportation systems.
The Directors will now take the results of the brainstorming sessions and collaborate to prioritize local and regional concerns as well as develop an overall strategy for implementing welfare reform in the New River Valley.
One theme that ran through each of the five brainstorming sessions was the desire by all participants to improve their community-based collaboratives. Those attending the meetings agreed that forming ties across organizational and geographical boundaries must be an integral part of the investment plan for the New River Valley. The idea of collaboration is not new to the citizens of the New River Valley. We are a connected community of workers, neighborhoods, and families--it is no surprise that we are connected in our outreach to those in need as well.
For further information, contact Holly Lesko at [email protected] or Racquel Becerra at [email protected].
Main MenuPulaski County Comprehensive Plan
Progress continues on the update of the Pulaski County Comprehensive Plan. Hundreds of thoughtful comments have been received from Pulaski County citizens and every effort is being made by the Planning Commission to incorporate these comments into the final Plan.
Individual members of the Pulaski County Planning Commission have "marked up" maps of the county to accurately guide future land use within the county. These "mark ups" are being discussed at work sessions of the Planning Commission.
It is anticipated that the plan update will continue through the summer. For further information, contact Sid Cheek, (540)639-9313, ext. 203. Main Menu
An Environmental Impact Narrative for the new Floyd Regional Commerce Center has been written and distributed to federal, state, and local agencies for comments. These comments are being gathered in anticipation of an invitation to apply for Economic Development Administration funding this summer. On a related matter, they are looking into possible Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development funding for the Commerce Center.
Also in Floyd County, a draft revision of the Subdivision Ordinance was submitted to the Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Planning Commission. A joint work session is scheduled for June. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Glen Lyn Comprehensive Plan Update
The Town of Glen Lyn is in the process of updating their Comprehensive Plan. The Planning District Commission prepared a preliminary draft based on a visioning meeting. The draft was recently reviewed by the Glen Lyn Planning Commission and is now being further refined. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
The Planning District Commission is assisting the Jacksonville Center in seeking renovation funding from Rural Development. They are also awaiting word on a recent Virginia Department of Business Assistance Grant application. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540)639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Labor Market Intelligent System
The Planning District Commission is gathering input from local economic/workforce development professionals regarding the potential value of a Labor Market Intelligence System. A California-based consulting company has submitted a proposal for a "turn-key" employer survey and web application for both the New River and Mount Rogers Planning Districts. The new database would contain basic employee data such as job types, experience and education requirements, and turnover. A representative of the ERISS company will make a presentation to area representatives in June. For further information, contact Lydeana Martin, (540) 639-9313, ext. 206. Main Menu
Virginia 177/Tyler Avenue Corridor Study Update
The Study Update Steering Committee met on May 18th. The Committee continues to explore and discuss possibilities related to a modified Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay, changes to the future land use plan, and an adequate facilities policy. The Committee has heard updates on sewer and water flows in the corridor from the Montgomery County Public Service Authority and the Radford Water and Wastewater Utilities Department. The Committee's next meeting will be held on June 15, 2000, 7:00 p.m., at Bethel School. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540) 639-9313, ext.205. Main MenuTransportation Technical Advisory Committe
The PDC's Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) met on May 9th at the old Pulaski County Courthouse in Pulaski. Mr. Alan Hawthorne, Executive Director of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat, gave a presentation on the proposed inland port project at Progress Park in Wythe County. The proposed inland port would occupy a portion of the 1,200 acre Progress Park, would be located adjacent to a Norfolk Southern main line, and have convenient access to Interstates 81 and 77. The proposed inland port would facilitate shipments between southwest Virginia and the ports at Hampton Roads. TAC's next meeting will be held on July 18th at 1:30 p.m., the location is to be announced. For further information, contact Patrick Burton, (540) 639-9313, ext.205. Main MenuNew River Valley Competitiveness Center
Happy Birthday, Competitiveness Center!
On April 12, 2000 the New River Valley Competitiveness Center celebrated its first birthday. The tenants of the Center were highlighted during an open house which included displays and refreshments. "I couldn't be more excited about the success of the Competitiveness Center." said Wayne Carpenter, manager of the facility. "We had hoped to be about half filled by the end of our first year, but we are at full capacity now and have several businesses on a waiting list." During the first year of operation the Competitiveness Center has provided business space to eleven businesses and they have created more than seventy-five new jobs.
Congratulations to Our First Graduate
The Competitiveness Center is proud to announce that Boyer-Crawford, Inc. has become its first graduate. After occupying two offices, a construction manager's space and a showroom for just over a year, they are moving to a new home of their own. Just a few weeks ago Boyer-Crawford reached an agreement to buy an existing building on Doral Drive just down the road from the Competitiveness Center. The building will be identified as the Herons Landing Sales Center and Offices. Boyer-Crawford's primary business is currently the development of Herons Landing at the River. They expect to be in their new facility in early June.
New Tenant Joins the Center
The Center is proud to announce a new tenant, Luxine, Inc., beginning June 1. Luxine, Inc. produces induction cooking units for the food service industry. Nicholas Bassill is the company's CEO. The company began research and development in the Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, and now are ready to begin commercial production. Mr. Bassill stated that they would also continue research and development at the Center. Welcome, and best wishes to Luxine. For further information on the Center, contact Wayne Carpenter (540) 633-6731. Main Menu
Giles Business Incubator Director, Anita Hines; Giles County Economic Development Director, Chris McKlarney; and Giles Chamber of Commerce Director, Barbara Stafford coordinated the First Annual Business Appreciation Day for Giles County. The event drew crowds of over 150 to the Giles Courthouse lawn in Pearisburg on Friday, May 19th. Food and music was provided by Q99's Dr. Pepper Diner and Anna's Restaurant. Giles County Board of Supervisor, Howard Morris, introduced the key speakers for the day, Delegates Jim Shuler and Benny Keister.
Sponsors of this annual event, the Towns of Glen Lyn, Narrows, Rich Creek, Pembroke, and Pearisburg, the Giles County Board of Supervisors, Giles Industrial Development Authority, Giles County Chamber of Commerce, and the Giles Business Incubator, demonstrated their cooperative efforts in supporting the businesses and employees of Giles County.
The Giles Business Incubator is a designated distribution point for the Virginia Economic Bridge Entrepreneurial Award's RFP. This award provides up to $10,000 to at least one Southwest Virginia business for seed start-up or expansion capital. Interested businesses in Giles County can contact Anita Hines at (540) 726-3888, e-mail at [email protected], or visit the office at 211 Main Street Suite 109 in Narrows. RFP's can also be obtained via www.virginiabusiness.org.
If you are a start-up or expanding business, the Giles Business Incubator is your resource center. Call or visit today. Main MenuGrant Applications Completed: Expansion of Competitiveness Center: Application submitted to EDA for authorization of an expansion of the Competitiveness Center, a 20,000 square foot facility at a cost of $2 million dollars. Floyd Regional Commerce Center: This project would be funded beginning in October. Jacksonville Center 2: Expansion of Jacksonville Center for incubator space which has potential because of its closeness to the Parkway. New River Access: The Economic Development Administration reviewed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and identified a number of projects which they would like to have in a proposal for a single project. There is a potential for $400,000 to support a river access project. The identified projects included: City of Radford - $75,000; Water Atlas - $35,000; Pulaski access - $45,000; Watershed map -$50,000; Interpretive Trail Guide - $55,000; etc. There are many potential project locations including Peak Creek in the Town of Pulaski; Rt. 114 Bridge, Whitethorne, and Arsenal in Montgomery County. The PDC met with participating jurisdiction representatives and they thought the PDC should plan and implement this project. Mr. Rundgren stated that contact should be made with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries representatives.
Workforce Investment Act - Mr. Rundgren stated that at the last Commission meeting the PDC accepted a request to become the fiscal agent for the Workforce Investment Act Program. Mr. Sheffey has been named Chairman of the Consortium of Elected Officials which sets policy. A Workforce Investment Board has been appointed, with Waylon Overstreet as Chairman, Hi Nicely as First Vice Chairman and Dave Elmore Second Vice Chairman. The Board is responsible for direction of this program. Separate from the WIA Board will also be One-Stops which are responsible for providing the services. Funding has been awarded to Pulaski County for planning the transition from the Private Industry Council (PIC) to the WIA system. A contract has been signed with the PIC for the staff work required for the transition to the Workforce Investment Board.
Review of Goals & Objectives for CEDS - Cindy Miller (PDC staff) reviewed: (1) proposed changes the staff made to the goals and objectives since they were provided to members at the last meeting, (2) the proposed project evaluation criteria, and (3) she stated that localities were contacted and asked to provide the Commission with projects. Main Menu
Staff Positions Available - Mr. Rundgren stated that the Workforce Investment Act will require three positions for the new program. Advertisements have been placed for a Director, Assistant Director, and Executive Secretary. Also, the New River Valley Competitiveness Center is now seeking a maintenance person.
Fiscal Crisis in Our Local Government - The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission has put together a tape about declining local revenues and the possibility of sharing State revenues with localities.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) - The Commissioners reviewed and approved a final draft of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, with the stipulation that if anyone knows of other projects, they should also be included.
NRVPDC Commission Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center in Fairlawn, VA. All meetings are open to the public. Main Menu
The NRV's 3rd quarter wage data for 1998 and 1999 show an increase in average employment of 2,487 (3.82%)
persons. The weekly wage increased ($26 or 5.42%) as did the number of establishments (33 or 0.97% ).
| AVERAGE EMPLOYMENT | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 3rd Qtr | 3rd Qtr |
| Floyd County | 2,477 | 2,453 |
| Giles County | 5,665 | 5,509 |
| Montgomery County | 32,630 | 33,818 |
| Pulaski County | 15,424 | 17,345 |
| Radford City | 8,922 | 8,480 |
| NRVPDC | 65,118 | 67,605 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 3rd Qtr | 3rd Qtr |
| Floyd County | 331 | 359 |
| Giles County | 512 | 517 |
| Montgomery County | 478 | 504 |
| Pulaski County | 485 | 518 |
| Radford City | 497 | 530 |
| NRVPDC | 480 | 506 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
| NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS | ||
| 1998 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 3rd Qtr | 3rd Qtr |
| Floyd County | 269 | 280 |
| Giles County | 320 | 336 |
| Montgomery County | 1,744 | 1,751 |
| Pulaski County | 689 | 692 |
| Radford City | 397 | 393 |
| NRVPDC | 3,419 | 3,452 |
| Source: Virginia Employment Commission. |
The dollar amount of taxable sales increased in three NRV jurisdictions between the 3rd and 4th quarters of 1999. Montgomery County experienced the largest increase of $8,033,022 with Floyd County showing the smallest increase of $278,211. Giles County ($1,087,983)and Radford City ($1,341,982) experienced declines. Between the 3rd and 4th quarters of 1998, Giles and Montgomery counties experienced the only increases in taxable sales.
| TAXABLE SALES | ||
| 1999 | 1999 | |
| Jurisdiction | 3rd Qtr | 4th Qtr |
| Floyd County | 9,978,077 | 10,256,288 |
| Giles County | 26,166,838 | 25,078,855 |
| Montgomery County | 170,067,977 | 178,100,999 |
| Pulaski County | 58,588,607 | 60,862,143 |
| Radford City | 18,589,150 | 17,247,168 |
| Source: Virginia Department of Taxation. |
On May 19, 2000, U.S. Representatives Rick Boucher and Bob Goodlatte announced a major step toward the provision of passenger rail service in western Virginia. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Transportation Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2001 which contains favorable language jointly requested by Boucher and Goodlatte for the provision of rail service in the region.
Boucher and Goodlatte succeeded in inserting language into the Transportation Appropriations measure which requires that Amtrak partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia to launch passenger rail service from Bristol to Richmond and Washington, D.C. The provision requires Amtrak to purchase the locomotives and passenger cars necessary to provide service in Western Virginia. It is anticipated that Amtrak will be the operating entity of passenger rail service in the region. This arrangement will have the additional benefit of aiding the formation of an agreement with Norfolk Southern for the use of its train tracks.
"I appreciate the acceptance by the House of Representatives of the proposal I made in partnership with Bob Goodlatte for the federal government through Amtrak to offer broad assistance for the launch of passenger rail service from Bristol through Roanoke to Richmond and Washington D.C. Passenger rail service to Richmond and Washington, D.C. will be of enormous convenience to residents in our region. It will also assist our efforts to increase the region's tourism economy and will be a major step in addressing the traffic safety concerns on Interstate 81," Boucher said.
"Bringing passenger rail service back to Roanoke and expanded service to Lynchburg is a high priority for me and my constituents," stated Goodlatte. "Development of this service provides tremendous benefits for the residents of western Virginia. A more convenient mode of transportation will help boost tourism and provide increased economic possibilities for the entire region. Additionally, providing residents with an alternative method of travel will cut down on the increased traffic on Interstate 81 making the trip safer and more efficient for travelers," he added.
For several years, Virginia has been searching for a solution to the dangerous traffic conditions on Interstate 81. The proposed passenger rail service, which would essentially parallel Interstate 81, could substantially relieve vehicle traffic and create a safer means for residents and tourists to travel between western Virginia, Richmond, and Washington, DC.
A feasibility study conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation concluded that for many years the service will require a government subsidy. Under the Goodlatte/Boucher proposal, the subsidy must be provided by the State of Virginia in order for the service to be launched.
The Congressmen commended State Senator William Wampler who previously obtained the state funding for the feasibility study and this year also obtained approximately $10 million in state funding for track and other repairs necessary for passenger rail service. That funding will cover costs of siding, track and signaling improvements which are necessary for the provision of the service.
"The cooperative effort for the launch of rail passenger service which Bob Goodlatte and I have undertaken is yet another step in our shared efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of the western portion of Virginia," Boucher said. For further information on transportation activities, please contact Patrick Burton at (540) 639-9313, ext. 205.
Main MenuJune 5 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
June 6 - Blacksburg PC Meeting - 7:30PM
June 9 - 11:00AM - New River Valley Regional Jail Authority - Dublin
June 12 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
June 13 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM
June 15 - 177 Comm. - Bethel Elem - Tyler Avenue - 7:00PM
June 19 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
June 21 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
June 22 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM Main Menu
July 2000
July 3 - Floyd PC Meeting - 7:30PM
July 4 - Blacksburg Town PC Meeting - 7:30PM
July 10 - Pulaski Town PC Meeting - 7:00PM
July 11 - Giles PC Meeting - 7:00PM and Pulaski PC Meeting - 7:00PM
July 14 - New River Valley Regional Jail Auhtority-Dublin - 11:00AM
July 17 - Radford PC Meeting - 7:00PM
July 18 - RPO TAC - 1:30PM
July 19 - Montgomery PC Meeting - 7:00PM
July 27 - NRVPDC Commission Meeting - 7:30PM
*Christiansburg Town PC Meetings are held on an as-needed basis, any Monday at 4:00PM
Main Menu The NRVPDC has hired three interns for the summer to assist the staff with various projects. Corey
Brueggemann will be a senior at Radford University majoring in Economics. He is assisting staff in
updating the Regional Data Book and other various economic projects. Travis Elkins recently
graduated from Radford University with a B.S. in Geography and is working with the PDC's
cartographer. Kelly Atkinson will be a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Political Science and is
working on transportation related activities. The PDC would like to extend a warm welcome to these
individuals who we expect will not only contribute to the organization but gain valuable work
experience as well.
The Giles County Public Service Authority's county-wide water system had its grand opening celebration in April 2000. The new system utilizes state of the art water filtration and is providing water to the towns of Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Narrows, Pearisburg, and Pembroke and many residents in the county along the main water line route. There are still some details which remain to be completed, but those are scheduled to be accomplished by the end of June.
The project has been moving forward for many years. First by conceiving the idea of a county-wide system; then coordinating the efforts of the five towns and the county; forming and staffing the Public Service Authority; applying for, receiving (finally) and utilizing the complex funding from numerous agencies in the form of grants and loans; and ultimately delivering safe drinking water to the residents of Giles County.
Congratulations to the many leaders in the County and five towns for their vision, patience, and perseverence. This is truly a magnificent accomplishment. For further information, contact Pat Therrien, (540) 639-9313, ext. 204.
Main MenuCommunity Foundation of the New River Valley Announces Spring Grant Awards
Tuesday, May 23rd, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley held its annual meeting and announced its Spring grant awards.
There were more grants awarded this cycle than any before - ten. The awardees were: Virginia Tech's Center of Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech, for the Montgomery County Child Care Task Force Report; the Committee of Floyd County Parks & Recreation Authority, for "A Place to Play" Playground; Med-Ride for Program Support; the New Enterprises Fund, for their Individual Development Account Program; New River Community Action for "Systemic Training for Effective Parenting Curriculum"; New River Valley AIDS Coalition, for Emergency Program costs; NRCA's Homeless Intervention Program, funding for homeless services; Christiansburg Elementary School for attendance at the National Assocation for the Education of Young Children Conference; Christiansburg Elementary's STAR Grant program for "Progressing with Photography;" and Auburn Elementary School for "Preceptual-Motor Activities: A Link to Reading II."
Grassroots Leadership Program Gears up for Second Year
The "Energized Active Grassroots Leaders Engaged Systematically" (EAGLES) program is two-thirds of the way through its first class and is preparing application forms for its second class, slated to begin in January, 2001. Applications will be available in September.
The EAGLES curriculum has two "streams," explains Andy Morikawa, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, which is the sponsoring organization. "The EAGLES Task Force meets regularly for all-day Saturday sessions which focus on group development and personal development as a pathway to community development. One of the guiding principles of EAGLES is that it is only as well as we know ourselves that we are able to serve as leaders in our communities."
The second "stream" is made up of workshops which focus on specific skill development for both EAGLES Task Force members and the community at large. So far, there has been a day-and-a-half session on "Grassroots Fundraising," and a workshop on "Pathways to Balance" - how to balance roles of family, professional, and civic life more effectively - is scheduled for August 4th of this year.
To receive an application for the EAGLES task force or register for a workshop, contact the CFNRV at 382-8999.
Main MenuIf you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter, please contact Jan Reynolds, Newsletter Editor, (540)639-9313 or [email protected]
Last Edited: 6/9/00