Physical Infrastructure

Vision 2020: The New River Valley has complete and quality infrastructure to support the goals, needs, and aspirations of the regional community.

Goal: To improve the capacity, condition, and efficiency of inter- and intra-regional

transportation systems.

Strategy: Seek the commitment of government and private interests to improve

the capacity, efficiency, and condition of the regional transportation

network.

Strategy: Increase the capacity and utilization of existing air service facilities in

the New River Valley.

Strategy: Identify necessary road, rail, and air transportation improvements.

Goal: To ensure adequate, reliable, and safe delivery of all utilities in the New River Valley.

Strategy: Interconnect water and sewer systems regionally where possible to

improve reliability and safety.

Strategy: Examine the potential of the New River as an alternative source of

water for communities using springs and wells.

Strategy: Encourage AEP to build redundancy in electrical service to eliminate

blackout/brownouts.

Goal: To plan for the systematic construction, replacement, and repair of public

infrastructure to meet future needs and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Strategy: Encourage the development and updating of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).

Strategy: Seek creative and alternative funding sources for eligible capital

improvement projects.

Strategy: Seek creative and cooperative regional financing strategies for major

infrastructure needs.

Goal: To improve the region's telecommunication network to attract new firms, assist

existing firms, and educate citizens.

Strategy: Pursue plans to expand the "Electronic Village" concept.

Strategy: Promote the expansion and use of the "Electronic Classroom" at

Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College.

Strategy: Pursue direct electronic links to marketing information and market

sources for advancing the region.

Strategy: Establish a regional communications program for marketing and other

outreach programs.

Goal: To achieve regional solutions to solid waste disposal and recycling.

Strategy: Reduce the amount of waste added to the waste stream.

Strategy: Seek inter-and intra-regional cooperation regarding the disposal of

regional solid waste.

Strategy: Pursue markets for recycled and reused products.

Goal: To assure that the region has an ample supply of housing which is affordable to meet

the needs of people in all income ranges.

Strategy: Adopt creative development approaches to encourage the creation of

affordable housing.

Strategy: Determine appropriate and cost-effective means for providing shelter for

all residents.

Goal: To increase the region's supply of ready and available industrial properties for

occupancy.

Strategy: Identify, evaluate, and negotiate the acquisition and/or reserved use of

industrial and business property within the region.

Strategy: Develop regional properties tailored to the needs of targeted industries.