ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS 1969‐2009
BACKGROUND
The Fifth Planning District Commission was officially established on August 25, 1969. Under the districts delineated by the State. The Fifth Planning District Commission served 9 member governments (counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke, cities of Clifton Forge, Covington, Roanoke and Salem, and the town of Vinton), and its boundaries incorporated 1,647 square miles with an estimated 237,959 persons.
The Fifth Planning District Commission’s predecessor agencies were the Roanoke Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Jackson River Valley Regional Planning Commission. The Roanoke Valley Regional Planning Commission encompassed an area including Botetourt County, Roanoke County, City of Roanoke, City of Salem and the Town of Vinton. The Jackson River Valley Regional Commission included Alleghany County and the cities of Clifton Forge and Covington. Craig County was previously unaffiliated with a regional commission.
The first organizational meeting of the Planning District Commission was held on September 26, 1969 at the historic Fincastle Courthouse. Mr. Norman C. Scott of Clifton Forge was elected temporary Chairman. On October 23, 1969, the Commission met again and elected permanent officers – Mr. Scott was named Chairman and Mr. John D. Copenhaver of the City of Roanoke was named Vice Chairman.
The primary goal of the Fifth Planning District Commission was to “…promote orderly and efficient development of the physical, social and economic elements of the District which had area‐wide significance and were important to more than one government.” Under the Virginia Area Development Act of 1968, the Commission was charged with the duty of preparing and recommending a comprehensive area‐wide plan for the guidance of this development.
In an effort to better define the geographic area it served and to bring its “regional” focus to the forefront, the Fifth Planning District Commission changed its name to the Roanoke Valley‐ Alleghany Regional Commission on October 28, 1999.
The County of Franklin became a joint member in July 2004, and the Town of Rocky Mount became a joint member in 2007. The Roanoke Valley‐Alleghany Regional Commission now serves 11 member governments, encompasses 2,325 square miles with an estimated 322,047 persons.
This report highlights some of the many projects undertaken by the Commission during its first 40 years. (Please note that the listing is not inclusive and copies of the reports mentioned may not be available.)
Past Chairs and Executive Directors
1969‐1971 1995‐1999 Norman C. Scott, City of Clifton Forge J. Lee E. Osborne, City of Roanoke
1971‐1973 1999‐2003 Hampton Thomas, City of Roanoke Temple Kessinger, Jr., City of Covington
1973‐1975 2003‐2005 Norman Scott, City of Clifton Forge W. D. “Bill” Bestpitch, City of Roanoke
1975‐1977 January – September, 2006 Gus Nicks, Town of Vinton Brian Brown, Botetourt County
1977‐1979 October 2006 ‐ Present Betty Carpenter, City of Covington Bradley E. Grose, Town of Vinton
1979‐1981 Jane Hough, City of Salem
1981‐1983 J. Ben Firestone, Botetourt County
1983‐1985 History of Executive Directors Lee B. Eddy, Roanoke County
1985‐1987 Robert M. Shannon, Jr. 1969‐1973 Charles R. Hill, Town of Vinton James M. Colby 1973‐1974
1987‐1989 Lee B. Eddy (Interim Director) Jan.‐March, 1974 Harry A. Walton, Jr., Alleghany County Charles L. Haeussler 1974–1982 1989‐1991 Elizabeth Bowles, City of Roanoke Gordon N. Dixon 1982‐1987
1991‐1993 Wayne G. Strickland 1987‐Present Howard Packett, City of Salem
1993‐1995 Wendy C. Wingo, Botetourt County
COMMISSIONERS
FY 1969‐70 Alleghany County Floyd Gibson Leonard Rose, Sr. Harry Williams
Botetourt County • Robert Shannon, Jr. named first Executive Director J. Ben Firestone E.A. Graybill • First office located at 4841 Williamson Road, NW, C.H. Leonard Roanoke, VA City of Clifton Forge • Goals, Objectives and Policies Norman C. Scott Charles Whitmer • Roanoke Valley Area Thoroughfare Plan City of Covington • Roanoke Urban Area Transit Study Norris G. Lockhart W.N. Rice • Data Bank Report W.A. Taylor, Jr.
• Geographic Coding for the 1970 Census Craig County C. R. Boitnott, Jr. • Base Mapping and Aerial Photography Charles M. Old
• Update of the Regional Law Enforcement Plan City of Roanoke Henry B. Boynton • Floodplain Information – Jackson River J.D. Copenhaver Richard Hoffler • Floodplain Information – Roanoke River Hampton W. Thomas James O. Trout
Vincent Wheeler
Roanoke County Lee B. Eddy A.T. Huddleston Robert Lucas Richard Meagher “The Fifth Planning District Commission was L. Earl Simms officially established on August 25, 1969 and held its first organizational meeting on City of Salem E.P. Hart September 26, 1969 at the historic H.R. Garden Fincastle Courthouse.” G.L. Mattern
Town of Vinton Henry A. Howell Armand L. Sanderson
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1970‐71
• A land use plan was developed based on population and employment projections that looked forward to 1995
• Bus transportation was studied with particular emphasis on more and improved service to serve low‐income groups and to relieve traffic congestion
• A metropolitan Roanoke Thoroughfare Plan was developed to cope with needs to 1985
• The housing situation was studied and the first phase of a three‐phase study was published
• Promoted the upgrading of law enforcement personnel through better salaries, training and facilities, with an area‐wide information retrieval system
• Combated juvenile delinquency and curtailed drug usage through comprehensive control and treatment program
• Assisted localities to coordinate environmental policies pertaining to improving air quality
• Coordinated water and sewer planning to provide area‐wide supply and treatment
• Coordinated social service activities dealing with the health, education and welfare of people of all age groups
• Pilot project to meet the needs of senior citizens
• 1971 Law Enforcement Plan
• Conceptual land use plan entitled Growth and Development
• Directed the preparation of an Interim Sewerage Plan for the district (a part of the first phase of a comprehensive water and sewer planning program to be completed in early 1973)
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1971‐72
• Moved into new office location at the Crystal Tower Building in downtown Roanoke
• 1972 Comprehensive Criminal Justice Plan
• An Approach to Comprehensive Planning for Human Resources Development “In November 1971, an invitation was extended to • Housing Supply for the Fifth Planning District Executive Director, Robert • District Parks and Open Space Plan Shannon, to attend an Inter Regional Seminar on Urban • Comprehensive Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Facilities Plan Land Policies and Land Use Control Measures in Madrid, • Commuter Service Study Spain. Mr. Shannon
• Planning Assistance prepared a monograph which was presented to the • Seminar Participation representatives from more
than 50 countries in attendance. The monograph pertained to the form of urban land control established in the Commonwealth through the institution of the planning districts and the use of the comprehensive plan as the instrument of policy guidance for land use controls.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1972‐73
• James M. Colby Hired as New Executive Director • Revitalization of the Regional Air System Study • Housing Relocation in 5PDC: Obstacle or Opportunity • Areawide Model Project on Aging • Metropolitan/Regional Water Quality Management Plan • Jackson River Intergovernmental Cooperation Feasibility Study • Comprehensive Water Plan • Comprehensive Criminal Justice Plan • Unified Transportation Work Program FG
“In December 1972, over 300 persons attended the Fifth Planning District “In 1973, Commission staff Commission’s Annual Dinner members worked on a grant which was held in the proposal whereby a series of Exhibition Hall of the television programs would explore Roanoke Civic Center. a wide range of problems relating Governor Linwood Holton to the governmental process in the and his six‐member Cabinet Fifth Planning District area. A were among the honored major goal of the television guests. Governor Holton was project is to stimulate more citizen introduced by his former law participation in the affairs of local partner, Congressman M. government. The project was Caldwell Butler, newly funded by a special demonstration elected member of the U.S. grant from the Appalachian House of Representatives.” Regional Commission.” ED
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1973‐74
• Charles Haeussler Hired As New Executive Director
• Grant received from the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct the 208 Water Quality Management Study
• Economic Development Strategy for the Fifth Planning District
• Water Supply Plan Phase I and II
• Metropolitan/Regional Water Quality Management Plan
• Coordination of Land Use Controls Among the Local Governments of the Fifth Planning District
• The Regulation of Mobile Homes
• Basic Population and Economic Trends, Botetourt County
• County Influence On and Control of Land Use, Botetourt County, Virginia
• Slide Report on Recommended Land Use Plan Map
• New Botetourt County Base Map
“In July 1974, the Fifth Planning District Commission was notified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that its grant request to conduct water pollution studies under provisions of Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 had been approved. The Fifth PDC was one of thirteen original areas in the country to receive approval and funding from the EPA to conduct such studies.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1974‐75
• Botetourt County Land Use Plan • Roanoke Valley 1975 Bikeway Plan • Transportation Improvement Program • Transportation Energy Conservation Plan • Craig County Land Use Plan • Craig County Subdivision Ordinance • Alleghany County Population and Economic Trends • Alleghany County Existing Land Use • Survey and Analysis and Factors Influencing Development in Alleghany County • Vinton Land Use Plan • Vinton Zoning Ordinance • Data Maintenance Reports • Blue Ridge Air Transportation System Study • Transit Development Plan Update
“Under the direction of the Public Information Officer, the Fifth Planning District Commission maintained day‐to‐day contact with the working news media and prepared
news releases relating to specific Commission program where appropriate. A quarterly \ newsletter, Regional Scope, was mailed during the year and circulated to over 800 people. A Speakers Bureau was publicized which resulted in opportunities for the staff to go before a variety of groups in the region with the story of the Commission’s programs. A series of radio programs was broadcast on two stations along with appearances by staff members
on both radio and television programs. The Commission also instituted an Open House on an annual basis during the past year. Invitations to attend the Commission’s meetings and tour the offices were extended to the general public. Along with the Open House the Commission also began an Orientation Program for newly elected and appointed officials serving on the Commission.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1975‐76
• 208 Water Quality Planning Program • Covington Today • Clifton Forge Housing Study • Series of reports for Alleghany County on land use, development, and trends in the economy and population
• Economic Study of Alleghany County‐Covington‐Clifton Forge • Transportation Improvement Program • Transit Development Plan • Data Maintenance Report • Community Education Programs with VPI&SU
“On August 26, 1976, the Executive Committee of the Fifth Planning District Commission passed a resolution to submit the 208 Regional Wastewater Management Plan to Virginia Governor, Mills E. Goodwin, Jr. for review and certification of the plan before submitting it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to Commission Chairman Gus Nicks, the Fifth PDC is the first regionally designated agency in the country to develop a 208 plan and recommend it for review by the Governor. 208 is a section of Public Law 92‐500 passed by Congress which establishes area‐wide wastewater treatment management planning designed to enable the local governments to develop water pollution control strategies which will enable them to meet federally mandated water quality goals by 1983. The plan calls for the establishment of advisory boards for both the Roanoke River and James River Basins. The boards are to advise the localities on matters involving water quality management. The proposed boards will enable the localities to deal with water pollution problems on an area‐ wide basis. The three‐volume study is the result of a two‐year planning effort which will serve the localities as a guide in developing the necessary means to clean up streams in their jurisdictions. Chairman Nicks pointed out that 208 will be a tremendous asset to local governments in their fight to obtain a cleaner environment for future generations.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1976‐77
• Housing Opportunities Plan
• Clifton Forge: An Inventory for Planning
• Regional Comprehensive Criminal Justice Plan
• Revised Craig County Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
• Conducted a planning workshop entitled “Covington – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
• Covington City Comprehensive Plan
• Covington Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances
• Re‐inventory of the public recreation assets of the Fifth Planning District
• Prepared topographic map for the Town of Iron Gate
• 1995 Roanoke Valley Transportation Plan
• Transportation Needs of the Elderly and Handicapped in the Roanoke Valley
• Waste‐To‐Go (Low capital transportation alternatives such as car pooling were examined in this study. This study is the definitive work on auto occupancy in the Roanoke Valley.) . • Comprehensive Operational Analysis for Transit
• Regional Drug Abuse Plan
• Dual Independent Map Encoding (DIME File)
• Data Maintenance Reports
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1977‐78
• Regional Housing Element (composed of six major sections: Goals, Objectives, and Evaluation; Housing Needs Analysis; An Allocation Plan; Coordination and Implementation; Non‐Discrimination and Equal Opportunity; and Neighborhood Preservation)
• Regional Economic Development Plan
• Annual Update to the Alleghany‐Clifton Forge‐Covington Overall Economic Development Plan
• Marketing Study for Valley Metro
• Transportation Improvement Program “A stellar achievement • Data Maintenance Report was reached when the • Regional Land Use Plan Commission helped work • Mapping for Craig County out a cooperative
• Conducted three planning workshops agreement between the
• Participated in three “open mike” radio shows Town of New Castle and Craig County, whereby the • Sponsored film showings on planning matters two entities formed a combined Planning Commission to jointly
participate in zoning,
subdivision regulations,
and comprehensive planning. This is the first such joint venture in the State”.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1978‐79
Prepared report entitled Highlights: Ten Years of Accomplishments 1969‐1979 ‐‐‐
Prepared land use plans for Alleghany County, Botetourt, Clifton Forge, Covington, Craig County and the Town of Vinton
Coordinated “Housing and Urban Development Section 701 Pass‐Through Grants” for Salem and Roanoke County for capital improvements programming, and the Town of Buchanan for land planning and zoning
Responsible for developing floodplain information on Mud Lick Creek, Back Creek, the James River, Peters Creek, Lick Run, Upper Mason Creek, and Mason Creek
Completed the first “208” Wastewater Study in the nation. A predecessor report, Metropolitan Water Quality Management Plan, led to the creation of the Roanoke Regional Sewage Treatment Plant.
Produced a number of housing reports including a Regional Housing Element, Regional Housing Profile, Clifton Forge Housing Study, District Relocation, Housing Needs, Residential Filtering in the Roanoke Area, and Housing Study
Prepared a number of research reports on the regional economy including: Economic Development – The Public Sector, Economic Development – The Private Sector, Industry Profiles, and the Overall Economic Development Plan for the Greater Alleghany Highlands area
Filled approximately 2,000 requests for information about population and economic statistics, development trends, and other planning matters of interest to marketing specialists, investors, builders, commerce promoters and location consultants
Prepared one of the first regional bikeway plans in the State
Set up a map encoding system of coding any point in the Valley into a computer for geographic location purposes. The map encoding system had usefulness in conducting censuses, fire and police dispatch, and assigning of school bus routes.
Updated topographic maps of the Valley at a scale of 1”=200’. Maps provided essential information to developers and citizens.
Assumed leadership of a multi‐district regional airport study
The Commission carried out the first regional demonstration project in the nation utilizing direct citizen input together with computerized ballots, television, and professional analysis to study various social problems. The program called “People Planning” used hour‐long television documentaries to present planning issues and provided ballots to all newspaper subscribers.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1979‐80
“Prior to 1979, transportation • Prepared “A Transition Plan to Achieve planning in the Roanoke Valley Compliance with Section 504 of the urbanized area was directed by Rehabilitation Act of 1973”, which set forth the Transportation Policy Board recommendations to make the transportation of the Fifth Planning District system more accessible to the elderly and handicapped which was established in 1976. Rural transportation was • Updated the Overall Economic Development Plan conducted by the for the Alleghany Highlands Commonwealth with the Fifth • Established a 10‐member Enterprise PDC serving only in an advisory Development Committee to foster private capacity. In 1979, the Roanoke economic development in the Alleghany Valley Area Metropolitan Highlands area. The committee helped to assess Planning Organization (MPO) development needs and reviewed development was established and recognized proposals. by the U.S. Department of • Sponsored nine land use planning workshops Transportation as the entity
• Conducted a radio series on planning topics responsible for transportation‐ related planning within the • Developed a “Fair Housing Ordinance” and distributed the ordinance for use by member Roanoke urbanized area. The jurisdictions ‐‐‐ Vinton and Covington MPO is a policy‐making body subsequently adopted the suggested ordinance which reviews and approves all transportation activities • Prepared a “Planning Inventory of Botetourt affecting the Roanoke Valley. County” which included an analysis of growth pressures in southern Botetourt MPO endorsement of the annual Transportation • Completed a Pre‐Disaster Housing Site Selection Improvement Program is Studies for Botetourt County, the City of mandatory for receipt of Roanoke, and Roanoke County federal and state funding to support this program. The technical work of the MPO is conducted by the staff of the Fifth PDC.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1980‐81
• Conducted a Park‐and‐Ride Survey investigating the feasibility of park‐and‐ride facilities for both express bus service and carpool use on four major corridors in the metropolitan area – Blue Ridge, Daleville, Cave Spring and Glenvar
• The City of Roanoke asked the Commission to assume responsibility as the central depository for Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records within the metropolitan area
• Assisted Botetourt County, Craig County and the Town of Vinton in revising their zoning and subdivision ordinances
• Housing, demographic and land use information were supplied to Alleghany County, Botetourt County, the Cities of Covington and Clifton Forge, and the Town of Vinton for Community Development Block Grant applications. Botetourt County and Vinton were subsequently funded.
• Assisted Alleghany County in preparing numerous zoning maps to be used in public hearings for the County’s proposed zoning ordinance
• Provided mapping services to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which helped expedite flood prevention planning for the Roanoke River Basin
• Advised the City of Covington on industrial development promotion and advertising
• Updated the Transportation Systems Management Plan
• Completed a Bus Ridership Survey and Marketing Study for Valley Metro, which resulted in a new Service Plan for the bus system
• Furnished economic data summaries, compiled industrial site location information and prepared maps for area chambers of commerce
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 1981‐82
• Gordon N. Dixon is named new Executive Director. Charles Haeussler leaves for opportunities abroad after serving as Executive Director for eight years.
• Developed an Energy Contingency Plan as a general guide to local governments if a major energy crisis should occur. The document addressed only transportation‐related measures.
• An Outdoor Recreation Facilities Inventory for the district was prepared in conjunction with the Commission of Outdoor Recreation and local recreation directors
• Assisted the Vinton Planning Commission in preparing the Town’s 1980 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map
• Regional planning profiles were prepared for each member jurisdiction containing population, household and housing data taken from the 1st summary tape of the 1980 Census
• Updated and expanded the Transportation Systems Management Plan, which is a short‐range planning document concentrated on low‐capital, management‐ oriented and energy‐conscious planning
“In conjunction with the New River Valley Planning District Commission, the State Division of Industrial Development, and Virginia Tech Extension Service, the Commission hosted a regional industrial development seminar in Roanoke. The seminar, attended by 100 individuals from both the public and private sectors, focused on topics which included industrial development financing; job training, advertising, and promotion; and community preparedness.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1982‐83
• Offered a direct link with the Virginia General Assembly in providing status reports on legislation. Copies of all bills pending before the General Assembly were filed in the Commission library.
• Sponsored the formation of a 504 Development Company which met the requirements of the Small Business Administration (SBA) for certification as an agency to help process projects that would be eligible for loan assistance from the SBA
• Assisted the Town of Vinton with preparing the Town’s zoning ordinance to implement the 1982 Vinton Comprehensive Plan
• Prepared a study entitled “Incineration/Energy Recovery as a Solid Waste Disposal Alternative for Covington, Virginia”. This study involved the feasibility of an incineration resource recovery facility for the City of Covington.
• Completed a study of refuse collection system in Alleghany County
• Prepared a community development block grant application for Botetourt County for the U.S. 460 Industrial Site
• Assisted the Town of Vinton in preparing its community development block grant application for storm drainage improvements and recreational development in the Gladetown neighborhood
• Submitted a report and map to the Botetourt County Planning Commission concerning land use changes along the U.S. 220 and Highway 11 Corridor
• Assisted Roanoke County in their county‐wide land use survey
• Assisted Roanoke City in reviewing the proposed site plan requirements for the Roanoke City Zoning Ordinance
• Prepared zoning maps for Covington, following the adoption of an update of the Covington Zoning Ordinance
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1983‐84
• Revised the City of Clifton Forge’s Erosion & Sedimentation Ordinance
• Updated the Craig County Zoning Ordinance
• Updated the Covington Subdivision Ordinance
• Revised the Clifton Forge Zoning Ordinance.
• Reviewed and Updated the Botetourt County Zoning Ordinance
• Prepared a Roanoke County Zoning Map
• Prepared a Comparison of Roanoke County’s Zoning Ordinance to a Model Zoning Ordinance
• Prepared a report on issues related to the Regulation of Mobile Homes in Roanoke County
• Published profiles of social and economic information for member jurisdictions
• Provided legislative information on 53 bills considered by the Virginia General Assembly
“A Regional Review of project applications for federal and state funding is an ongoing responsibility of the Planning District Commission. The Regional Review process was initiated in 1965 with federal legislation and was incorporated into State Law in 1968 with the Virginia Area Development Act. The Federal Office of Management and Budget developed procedures for Regional Review of projects in Circular A‐95. In 1982, President Reagan rescinded the A‐95 provisions in an effort to simplify the review process and provide increased authority to state and local governments. The State of Virginia instituted new procedures for Regional Review which took effect in October of 1983. The new procedures simplify the review process while still giving local governments an opportunity to review and comment on proposals for state and federal funding. The purpose of the Regional Review is to ensure that activities receiving state and federal funding are consistent with regional plans and do not duplicate existing efforts.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1984‐85
• The Fifth PDC implemented a Geographic Information System (GIS) in 1985 using a portion of eastern Roanoke County as a demonstration project. This microcomputer‐based GIS was the first of its kind in the State. Over the years, the PDC’s GIS (and subsequent updates) have been used to create numerous maps for Commission projects. The PDC staff has been instrumental in helping several of its localities acquire their own systems. The Commission served as the lead agency in preparing a Geographic Information Systems Handbook for Local Governments in Virginia for the State Commission on Population Growth and Development.
• Assisted with the Alleghany County Comprehensive Plan
• Reviewed the Alleghany County Subdivision
• Botetourt County Capital Improvements Program
• Reviewed the Craig County Subdivision
• Reviewed the Craig County Zoning
• Conducted Annual Ridership Survey for Valley Metro
• Prepared a Route 460 Corridor Study for the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County
• Reviewed the Vinton Subdivision Ordinance
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1985‐86
• Alleghany County Capital Improvements Program
• Alleghany Highlands Economic Development: Certification and Overall Economic Development Plan
• Botetourt County Capital Improvements Program
• Botetourt County Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• Covington Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• Craig County Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• Provided Services to Valley Metro: Annual Ridership Survey, Management Information System, and Telephone Survey
• Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• Salem Community Development Feasibility Study
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1986‐87
• Assisted Botetourt County and the Town of Vinton in updating their Comprehensive Plans
• Provided assistance to the Roanoke County Land Use Management Advisory Committee in their efforts to update the County’s Zoning Ordinance
• Provided assistance to Alleghany County, Botetourt County and Clifton Forge in completing local capital improvements programs
• Held a region‐wide workshop entitled “Hazardous Material and Waste: Local Responsibilities and Liabilities”
• Coordinated the Upper James River Basin Flood Recovery Project
• Prepared “West of the Blue Ridge” – the first regional tourism brochure which highlighted area attractions
• Prepared a Route 419 Corridor Study
• Prepared a Transportation Needs of the Elderly and Handicapped
• Created the Western Virginia Development Company 503‐504 Loan Program – provided long‐term (up to 20 years), second mortgage financing at fixed rates for real estate and fixed asset acquisition, with guarantees provided by the Small Business Administration
“The PDC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) is moving ahead on schedule. Currently, all tax parcels in Roanoke County, the City of Salem, and Town of Vinton have been digitized (converted to computerized graphic form). The staff is in the process of updating some of the County’s digitized tax maps. A demonstration project has been developed for FY 1988 in which the staff will begin digitizing tax maps in various neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke (to be used in conjunction with the City’s neighborhood planning process).”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1987‐88
• Wayne Strickland is named the new Executive Director of the Commission
• Assisted Alleghany County and Roanoke County in their ongoing work on zoning regulations
• Assisted Alleghany County in updating their existing Capital Improvements Program
• Assisted Botetourt County, Craig County, and the Town of Vinton in updating their existing comprehensive plans
• Prepared the Salem Thoroughfare Plan, Phase I
• Prepared the Valley Metro Ridership Survey – Summary of Analysis
• Valley Metro Riders Demographic Data Analysis
• Highway Funding Priority – City of Salem
• Hardy Road Improvement Study
• Route 460 Corridor Study
• Botetourt County Interchange Study for Exits 45 & 46 of I‐81 (Traffic Assessment)
• Worked in conjunction with the Council of Community Services on a Group Home Study, which examined the location and impact of group homes in the district
• Groundwater Protection Report
• Established a $500,000 revolving loan fund, together with Planning District Commissions 4 and 6 and the Southwest Virginia Community Development Fund, to aid distressed areas in the Alleghany Highlands and part of the City of Roanoke
• Provided support to the Regional Partnership of the Roanoke Valley in their economic development and industrial recruitment efforts
• Assisted the Greater Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Commission in their development activities
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1988‐89
“In the Commission’s 1987 • Purchased 3‐story office building and 17‐ Annual Report, it was noted space parking lot at 313 Luck Avenue in that the PDC had become a downtown Roanoke different entity than it was in
• Assisted Clifton Forge, Craig County and the 1969, and that the PDC would probably undergo changes as it City of Salem with updates of their enters its next 20 years. The comprehensive plans issue of the changing nature of • Prepared draft subdivision ordinance the PDC was brought home revisions for the City of Roanoke during the last fiscal year as the
• Pursued development of a Strategic Plan Commission pursued the development of a Strategic • Conducted a Mobile Home Study for Plan. A Strategic Plan may be Botetourt County. defined as “the process by which
• Prepared Vinton Growth Pressure Study an organization envisions its future and develops the • Assisted the City of Roanoke with three necessary procedures and neighborhood plans (Hershberger Hills, operations to achieve that Greater Deyerle, and Loudon/Melrose) future.” The Commission’s
• Provided assistance to the City of Roanoke Strategic Plan, the first ever with research and data collection and analysis adopted by this organization, is for the Urban Enterprise Zone reapplication, intended to direct the future of the PDC into the decade of the the Hanna Court Mobile Home Study, and the 1990s. The following were Northwest Supermarket Survey accomplished during the • Prepared Regional Solid Waste Management Strategic Planning process – Plan development of a Mission Statement, identification of the • Developed Street Naming/House Numbering critical issues facing local Procedures for Alleghany County and governments in the district, and Botetourt County development of goals and • Completed Salem Thoroughfare Plan, Phase 2 objectives for addressing the critical issues.” • Completed U.S. Route 220 Corridor Study
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1989‐90
• In conjunction with the New River Valley, West Piedmont and Central Virginia Planning District Commissions, conducted Phase I of the Roanoke River Corridor Study
• Completed a Business Growth Study for the Fifth Planning District
• Completed a survey and report on the characteristics of the Alleghany Highlands Labor Supply
• Regional Stormwater Management Planning
• Assisted in meetings on the Roanoke Metropolitan Government Voting Wards
• Drafted revisions to the Craig County Subdivision Ordinance
• Prepared zoning/subdivision guides for Alleghany County and the Town of Vinton
• Prepared report entitled “Private Sector Participation in Roanoke Valley Public Transportation”
• Conducted an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating various paratransit services for the elderly & handicapped
• Critique of the Hardy Road corridor concerning traffic and safety issues, as well as the impact of various proposed projects in the vicinity
• Conducted GRTC Financial Capacity Analysis
• Other transportation‐related work included: participation in the Roanoke Regional Airport’s FAR Part 150 Noise Study Advisory Committee, review of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s new policy on Preservation of Critical Rail Service, and assistance in the Census Bureau’s collection of employer data for their “Journey to Work” study of commuting patterns and employer information
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1990‐91
• Business Growth Study for the Fifth Planning District
• Completion of Phase II of the Roanoke River Corridor Study
• Socio‐Economic Data for the Roanoke Urban Study Area: 1989 Data & 2015 Projections
• Financial Capacity Analysis for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company
• Private Sector Participation in Roanoke Valley Public Transportation
• Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund
• Western Virginia Certified Development Company
• Assisted Alleghany County and the Town of Vinton in preparing Zoning/ Subdivision Guides
• Conducted two water‐related studies for Botetourt County: groundwater and surface water study and a water services/facilities study
“The Fifth Planning District Commission has been actively involved in multi‐regional efforts to address environmental, economic and transportation‐related issued. A proposal for strategically developing the Interstate‐81 Corridor Region is one such example. Ultimately, this project will bring to bear the resources of 28 counties, 14 cities and 7 planning districts, various state and federal agencies, and the private sector. The purpose of the effort is to establish a long‐range plan for enhancing the economic and community development potential of those communities located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. “
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1991‐92
• Tinker Creek Non‐Point Source Pollution Study
• Green Ridge/Cove Road Corridor Study
• Short Range Transit Planning for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company
• 1991 Update to the Roanoke Valley Bikeway Plan
• Roanoke Valley Public Transportation Guide
• Route 460 Corridor Study/Botetourt County
• Solid Waste Transfer Plan for Craig County
• Conservation/Development Plan for Tinker Creek (City of Roanoke)
• Roanoke River/Tinker Creek Corridor Study
• Urban and Rural Economic Development
• Street Map for the Town of Vinton
• Through the I‐81 Corridor Council, assisted with the preparation of an Interchange Planning and Management Handbook
• Provided Circuit Rider Planning Service to Alleghany County
• Transportation Improvement Program
• Developed a seminar on regional cooperative purchasing program
• Coordinated long‐range transportation planning for the Smith Mountain Lake‐ Roanoke Valley Transportation Corridor. This transportation project brought together PDCs 5, 11 and 12 and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford and Franklin to pursue a cooperative approach to transportation planning between Smith Mountain Lake and the Roanoke Valley.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1992‐93
• U.S. Route 11 Corridor Study (Botetourt County)
• Corridor Study of Route 24 Near Lake Drive Plaza (Vinton)
• Corridor Study of Berkeley Road/Blair Street (City of Roanoke and Vinton)
• GRTC Plan for Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Lower Botetourt County Network Review
• Traffic Zone Address Coding Guide
• Update of the Clifton Forge Zoning Ordinance
• Alternate Route 220 Corridor Area Development Plan
• Staff helped to coordinate the work of the Citizens Task Force to Study Alternative Election Procedures for Roanoke City Council
• Creation of the Appalachian Railroad Heritage Project – a multi‐regional tourism effort which focused on drawing visitors to historic railroad sites and other area cultural/scenic attractions
• Glade Creek Non‐Point Source Pollution Study
• Roanoke River Conservation Project
“The need for a regional approach to management of private lands adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway became apparent in 1993. At that time, the Fifth PDC initiated an effort to coordinate planning along the entire Parkway, which covers 470 miles in Virginia and North Carolina. Representing numerous agencies and constituencies, the group was named the Coalition for the Blue Ridge Parkway and began its “community driven” planning process.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1993‐94
• Began providing transportation services to the rural portions of the Fifth Planning District – the Rural Transportation Planning Program was initiated in FY 1993 by the Virginia Department of Transportation
• I‐81 Exits 140 and 141 Study, Phase I (joint transportation and land use study)
• Peters Creek Road Extension Corridor Study, Phase I (joint transportation and land use study)
• Assisted Botetourt County, the City of Salem, and the Town of Vinton in updating their comprehensive plans
• Transit Development Plan
• Botetourt Transit Feasibility Study
• GRTC Passenger Trip Length Study
• Helped the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau pursue regional accreditation
• Business Enhancement and Export Assistance Program initiated
• Blue Ridge Region Development Bank Feasibility Study
• Roanoke River Corridor Modal Overlay Zone
• Peters Creek‐Lick Run Non‐ “In September 1993, the Fifth PDC initiated a Point Source Pollution Study new program, the Business Enhancement and Export Assistance Program (BEEP). BEEP is an export assistance program aimed at helping small‐ to medium‐size manufacturers, agricultural and service businesses in the Fifth Planning District identify new domestic and international markets for their products, and explore and develop the steps needed to enter the global marketplace.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1994‐95
• Lower Botetourt County Network Review
• Ingalls Airport, Bath County, Virginia: A Brief Examination
• Transportation Planning Data Resources Guide
• Covington Traffic Circulation Study
• Transportation Services Guide Update
• Botetourt Transit Feasibility Study, Phase II
• GRTC Financial Capacity Analysis Update
• Data Maintenance Report
• Roanoke Valley Area Long Range Transportation Plan Update
“In FY’94, the PDC undertook several important projects for localities on a contract basis. For example, an Industrial Site Study was conducted for Botetourt County. After an examination of the key characteristics of a typical industrial site, it identified opportunities for Botetourt County to emphasize its advantages in pursuit of new industry. Also for Botetourt County, potential zoning ordinance amendments were drafted. The staff continued to provide an average of ten hours per week service as the Circuit Rider Planner for Alleghany County. Comprehensive Plan updates for Clifton Forge and Covington were initiated this past year and are scheduled for completion in FY’95. A grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality enabled the PDC to contract for a Water and Sewer Study for Alleghany County, and an Appalachian Regional Commission/Environmental Protection Agency grant resulted in the completion of the “Alleghany Highlands Regional HowTo Guide” this year.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1995‐96
• Smith Mountain Lake Corridors Study (multi‐PDC study)
• Alleghany Highlands Transit Feasibility Study
• Fincastle School Bus Circulation Study, Phase II
• Roanoke Valley/New River Valley Regional Transit Feasibility Study
• Route 11 Corridor Study (1996 Update)
• Roanoke Valley Bikeway Plan (1996 Update)
• Overall Economic Development Program for Botetourt County, Craig County and parts of the City of Roanoke
• Served on the Governor’s Virginia History Initiative project to promote the idea of establishing Heritage Areas in the Commonwealth
• Roanoke Regional Stormwater Management Plan
• Beginning in the summer of 1996, the Valley governments agreed to provide the first year of funding for a Greenway Coordinator in the Fifth PDC office. Provided assistance in the preparation of the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan.
• Alleghany Highlands Housing Assessment
CREATION OF THE FIFTH PLANNING DISTRICT REGIONAL ALLIANCE – “In 1996, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Regional Competitiveness Act, which provided incentive funds to encourage greater inter‐jurisdictional cooperation. The Fifth PDC initiated the process to form a regional partnership (known as the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance). The Regional Alliance is expected to be chartered in April 1997 and will be composed of 36 members from local government, economic development agencies, education, and civic organizations. The purpose of the Regional Alliance is to explore issued related to enhancing economic competitiveness and to purpose actions to address those issues.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1996‐97
• Conducted a Sidewalk Inventory for the Valley Metro Bus Route Network
• Continuation of Regional Alliance formation
• Completed new street and zoning maps for Clifton Forge
• Assisted the City of Roanoke’s Modified Election District Task Force by developing different ward boundary alternatives; used the Fifth PDC’s GIS, along with U.S. Census data and spreadsheets, to create a series of maps/ward options; produced 400 color maps for distribution to Roanoke City citizens
• Developed the Fifth Planning District Rural Bikeway Plan
• Prepared a Rural Park‐and‐Ride Facility Study
• In conjunction with the New River Valley PDC, the Fifth PDC prepared a commuter study that focused on the potential demand for transit service between the Roanoke and New River Valley regions
“Using a FEMA grant and local matching funds, the PDC worked with Roanoke Valley localities to prepare a stormwater management plan. Completed in July 1997, the 5‐volume plan included recommendations for mitigating the effect of flooding in priority watersheds in the Valley, a model stormwater management ordinance, a water quality report, and a report on financing options.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1997‐98
• Co‐Sponsored First Regional Leadership Trip to Chattanooga, TN (Sept. 1997)
• New Transit Routes Proposal Study
• Roanoke Valley Area MPO’s Planning Area Boundary Review
• Socioeconomic Data Update and Projections
• Roanoke Valley Area MPO Travel Demand Model Update
• Conducted Greater Roanoke Transit Company Passenger Trip Length Survey
• Completed the Craig County Long Range Transportation Plan
• Completed the Botetourt County Long Range Transportation Plan
• Roanoke Valley Open Space Planning for the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Roanoke County, and the Town of Vinton – inventoried land ownership patterns and natural resources and made presentations to two community focus groups during the fiscal year
• Prepared the Strategic Economic Development Plan of the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance, which outlined activities to promote regional cooperation and economic competitiveness. To be used to allocate funding in the first year of what is expected to be five years of competitiveness funding from the State’s Regional Competitiveness Program
• PDC’s Circuit Rider Program – assisted Craig County with planning and zoning activities 2 days a month
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1998‐99
• Long Range Transportation Plan
• Unified Planning Work Program FG • Transportation Improvement Program
• Prepared “Moving People and Goods in the “The Roanoke Valley Valley: A Guide to Transportation Services in the officially became the first Fifth Planning District” Project Impact
• Explored the private sector demand for transit Community in Virginia services, specifically among the employees of during a ceremony held large firms located beyond the limits of Valley December 15, 1998 as Metro bus service along U.S. Route 221/460 representatives of the (Orange Avenue) and 11/460 (West Main Street) Cities of Roanoke and corridors Salem, Roanoke County
• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to and the Town of Vinton Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (September 1998) signed a Memorandum of
• Route 11 Corridor Study (Botetourt County) Agreement. The Fifth PDC served as fiscal • Flood Prone Roadways in the Fifth Planning District agent for the $500,000 Federal Emergency • Held two Regional Land Use Forums Management Agency • Continuation of Fifth Planning District Regional grant and housed the Alliance activities staff of Project Impact. “ • Roanoke Valley Open Space Study
• “Project Impact Roanoke Valley” Initiated ED
• Assisted Botetourt and Craig Counties in updating their comprehensive plans
• Assisted the City of Salem and Craig County in updating their zoning ordinances
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 1999‐00
• Changed Name to the Roanoke Valley‐Alleghany Regional Commission in October 1999 “In an effort to better
• Travel Time Survey Pilot Project define the geographic area it serves and to • Conducted research on air quality issues and monitored EPA’s effort to implement new air bring its “regional” focus quality standards to the forefront, the
• Covington‐CSX Depot Restoration Project Commission officially changed its name from • C&O Rails‐to‐Trails Project the Fifth Planning • Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to District Commission to Pittsburgh, PA (September 1999) the Roanoke Valley • Provided data to Roanoke City for its neighborhood Alleghany Regional planning process and upcoming comprehensive Commission on October plan revision 28, 1999.” • Mapped ridgelines and steep slopes for Botetourt County to use during its zoning ordinance update
• Long Range Water Supply Planning for the Roanoke Valley
• Continuation of Project Impact activities
• Continuation of Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance activities
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2000‐01
• Alleghany Highlands Enterprise Zone
• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Portland, Maine (April 29‐May 1, 2001)
• Worked with Roanoke Valley localities to develop methods of standardizing land use and zoning maps and documents
• Prepared draft land use map of the Roanoke Valley
• Alleghany County Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• City of Covington Comprehensive Plan Assistance
• City of Salem Solid Waste Management Plan
• Clifton Forge Phase II Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Project Planning Grant Application
• Iron Gate Comprehensive Planning Project Planning Grant Application
• Sponsored 2 local government training workshops ‐‐‐ Facilitation and Conflict Management Skills, and Designing and Conducting Effective Meetings
• Continuation of Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance activities
• Public Involvement Plan Update
• Long Range Transportation Plan Update
• Developed Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant application for on‐going train depot restoration project in the City of Covington, which was awarded $100,000
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 2001‐02
• RIDE Solutions, new rideshare program for the “RIDE Solutions, the region’s region is launched rideshare program, was launched in FY 2002. The • Roanoke Valley Long Range Water Supply System Regional Commission Planning received a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail • Regional National Pollutant Discharge Elimination and Public Transportation to System, Phase II Activities launch a campaign to encourage residents to use • Covington Downtown Revitalization‐ worked with alternative modes of the City and Olde Town Covington, Inc. to transportation while commuting to work. The implement planning grant activities, which new program, entitled RIDE included a market survey and an engineering and Solutions, replaced the physical attributes analysis previously administered carpooling effort by Valley • Preparation of an Emergency Resources Directory Metro which was entitled “RideShare”. RIDE Solutions • Provided Management Services for the Town of will serve the Roanoke Iron Gate’s North Housing Rehabilitation Grant metropolitan area and surrounding localities in • Hosted the Virginia Geographic Information southwestern Virginia, such System Conference at the Hotel Roanoke ‐‐‐ over as Alleghany, Craig, Franklin 550 mapping specialists attended and Montgomery counties and the western half of • Updated Botetourt County Recreation Plan Botetourt County. The
• Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance’s Regional Regional Commission hired Ronda Boutte to serve as Economic Strategy completed the Program Manager.”
• Prepared Fincastle Bypass Feasibility Study
• Alleghany County Rural Transportation GIS Grant
• Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed to provide input to the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009 FY 2002‐03
• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Charleston, SC (October2002)
• Adoption of Early Action Compact to Reduce Ozone
• Pre‐Disaster Mitigation Planning
• Total Maximum Daily Load Report
• Prepared a “Regional Report Card” for the District which highlighted how local governments were working together on regional cooperative programs/ projects
• Conducted a Regional Freight Study
• Regional Rideshare Program Activities
• Long Range Transportation Plan
• Initiated a Regional Citizens Planning Academy
• Regional Alliance created a “Branding Steering Committee” to pursue a “brand” for the region
• Regional Bicycle Suitability Study
• I‐81 Interchange Study
• Travel Time Surveys & ITS Planning Memos
• Mapping provided to Valley Metro, Western Virginia Land Trust, and the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2003‐04
• Welcomed Franklin County as a joint member of the Regional Commission in July 2004
• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Louisville, Kentucky (May 2004)
• Industry Cluster Analysis
• Development of NewVa brand through the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance
• Alleghany Highlands Telecommunications Plan “The Ozone Early Action Plan (EAP) was unveiled • Total Maximum Daily Load Report for the Tinker at an April 22, 2004 Creek Watershed press conference. • Update to the Alleghany County Emergency Officials of the Virginia Operations Plan Department of Environmental Quality • Regional Brownfield Assessment and Inventory addressed the
• Conducted research for the National Geographic/ importance of the EAP Appalachian Regional Commission Map Guide of in statewide efforts to Appalachian Tourist Sites improve air quality and congratulated local • Ozone Early Action Plan leaders for their
• Phase II of the Regional Bicycle Suitability Study willingness to improve the region’s air quality • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) before being mandated
• Intercity Transportation Connections by the Environmental Protection Agency as a non‐attainment area”.
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2004‐05
• Pre‐Disaster Mitigation Plan
• Total Maximum Daily Load Reports for Jackson River & Roanoke River
• Growth Management Report for Botetourt County
• Bikeway Plan Update
• Implementation of the Ozone Early Action Plan
• New River and Roanoke Valley Public Mobility Program
• Planning for Elderly and Disabled Mobility
• Worked with officials from Alleghany “As part of the “Freight County, the Town of Iron Gate, and RADAR Forum” series developed by to facilitate service expansion of “The Mountain Express” the staff, an official with Norfolk Southern Railway • Produced/updated maps for the SmartWay, Ferrum Express, Hollins Corporation spoke to Express, and Maroon Express ‐‐‐ updated stakeholders about the regular Valley Metro route flyers and snow Heartland Express concept route map that would add an • Held various “Freight Forums” intermodal freight terminal • Obtained Pilot Transportation Planning in our region.” Grant from VDOT to update the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan
• To refine the public participation program of the Roanoke Valley Area MPO, formed a partnership with Radford University to design and build a public participation computerized kiosk
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2005‐06
• Co‐Sponsored Regional leadership Trip to Asheville, NC (September 2005)
• Co‐Sponsored One‐Day Regional Leadership Trips to Region 2000/Lynchburg (March 2006) and New River Valley (September 2006)
• Open Space Plan for Franklin County
• Alleghany Highlands Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Updated the “Regional Report Card”
• Assisted with Viticulture Study for Franklin County “Another example of the • Preparation of the Rural Bike Plan progress made this past year
• Scenario Planning for the Metropolitan was the completion of the Alleghany Highlands Planning Organization’s Long Range Comprehensive Economic Transportation Planning Process Development Strategy
• Roanoke Valley Conceptual Thoroughfare (CEDS) that brought together four governments Plan: 2050 (Alleghany County, the City • Prepared “Pedestrian Access to Commercial of Covington, and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Centers: Connecting Residential and Gate) to cooperatively Commercial Land Uses” pursue a new direction for
• Completed Roanoke Valley Signage Study enhancing their economic health.” • Preparation of Rural Planning Profiles
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2006‐07
• The Town of Rocky Mount became a joint member of the Regional Commission in January of 2007
• Alleghany Highlands Tourism Trail
• Staff served as a member of the Craig County Medical Clinic Advisory Committee that worked to develop a new medical clinic in New Castle
• Completed a Bus, Bike & Hike map showing bus routes, bike lanes, greenways, and hiking areas in the Roanoke Valley
• Worked with City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development to examine changes in “Cluster Concentration and Employment in the City”
• Published first annual report pertaining to the Alleghany Highlands Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Prepared Roanoke Trolley Economic Impact Study
• Transportation & Land Use Connection Study, Phase I
• Prepared 2007 Flood Prone Roadway Study
• Hosted America Planning Association (APA) sponsored videoconferences
• Provided assistance with updates of the Alleghany County Comprehensive Plan and Craig County Subdivision Ordinance
“The Governor included the Alleghany Highlands Tourism Trail project on a list of recommended projects to the Appalachian Regional Commission. Staffed worked in FY 2007 to secure project support and funding for the study of a tourism trail concept to link tourist assets in a thematic trail for the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Craig and Highlands, the towns of Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, Monterey, and New Castle, and the city of Covington.”
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2007‐08
• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Chattanooga, TN in October 2007
• Worked to develop a regional tourism marketing plan, brand and organization plan entitled “Virginia’s Western Highlands”
• Prepared Alleghany Highlands Cluster/Target Industry Analysis
• Initiated the development of the Region‐wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Assisted Alleghany Highlands with a Regional Broadband Plan
• Established Grant Resource Access Network
• Coordination of the Roanoke Valley‐Alleghany Regional Advisory Council on Homelessness
• Established a Regional Bicycle Advisory Council
• Safe Routes to Schools Grantwriting and Assistance
• Prepared report on Fine Particulate Matter
• Hosted Regional Meeting Concerning Heartland Corridor Intermodal Facility
• Prepared Report on Economic Impacts of Passenger Rail
• Prepared Downtown Roanoke Emergency Evacuation Plan
• Student Paper Competition on transportation and land use scenarios
• Corridor Review Studies of U.S. Route 220 in Botetourt County and Route 116 in the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
FY 2008‐09
• Launched the “Virginia’s Western Highlands” tourism initiative in October 2008
• Hosted the 19th Annual Virginia GIS Conference in Roanoke in September 2008
• Conducted Downtown Pedestrian Wayfinding Study for the City of Roanoke and Town of Vinton
• Administered CDBG grant for the Craig County Rural Health Care Facility
• Began update of the Alleghany County Emergency Operations Plan
• Began development of the 2035 Constrained Long Range Transportation Plan
• Received funding to conduct an “Urban Tree Canopy Analysis” in the Roanoke Valley
• Developed new website for the Roanoke Greenway Commission
• Developed websites for Craig County government and Craig County Tourism Commission
• Adopted the Region‐wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in February 2009
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009
Roanoke Valley‐Alleghany Regional Commission
Mailing Address Physical/Street Address P.O. Box 2569 313 Luck Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24010 Roanoke, VA 24016
Ph: 540‐343‐4417 Fax: 540‐343‐4416 Email: [email protected]
www.rvarc.org
Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009