40th Year Report

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 Norman C. Scott, City of Clifton Forge 1971‐1973 Hampton Thomas, City of Roanoke 1973‐1975 Norman Scott, City of Clifton Forge 1975‐1977 Gus Nicks, Town of Vinton 1977‐1979 Betty Carpenter, City of Covington 1979‐1981 Jane Hough, City of Salem 1981‐1983 J. Ben Firestone, Botetourt County 1983‐1985 Lee B. Eddy, Roanoke County 1985‐1987 Charles R. Hill, Town of Vinton 1987‐1989 Harry A. Walton, Jr., Alleghany County 1989‐1991 Elizabeth Bowles, City of Roanoke 1991‐1993 Howard Packett, City of Salem 1993‐1995 Wendy C. Wingo, Botetourt County

1995‐1999 J. Lee E. Osborne, City of Roanoke 1999‐2003 Temple Kessinger, Jr., City of Covington 2003‐2005 W. D. “Bill” Bestpitch, City of Roanoke January – September, 2006 Brian Brown, Botetourt County October 2006 ‐ Present Bradley E. Grose, Town of Vinton

History of Executive Directors

Robert M. Shannon, Jr. 1969‐1973

James M. Colby 1973‐1974

Lee B. Eddy (Interim Director) Jan.‐March, 1974

Charles L. Haeussler 1974–1982

Gordon N. Dixon 1982‐1987

Wayne G. Strickland 1987‐Present

Celebrating 40 Years 1969‐2009

FY 1969‐70

• Robert Shannon, Jr. named first Executive Director

• First office located at 4841 Williamson Road, NW, Roanoke, VA

• Goals, Objectives and Policies

• Roanoke Valley Area Thoroughfare Plan

• Roanoke Urban Area Transit Study

• Data Bank Report

• Geographic Coding for the 1970 Census

• Base Mapping and Aerial Photography

• Update of the Regional Law Enforcement Plan

• Floodplain Information – Jackson River

• Floodplain Information – Roanoke River

COMMISSIONERS

Alleghany County Floyd Gibson Leonard Rose, Sr. Harry Williams Botetourt County J. Ben Firestone E.A. Graybill C.H. Leonard City of Clifton Forge Norman C. Scott Charles Whitmer City of Covington Norris G. Lockhart W.N. Rice W.A. Taylor, Jr. Craig County C. R. Boitnott, Jr. Charles M. Old City of Roanoke Henry B. Boynton J.D. Copenhaver Richard Hoffler Hampton W. Thomas James O. Trout Vincent Wheeler Roanoke County Lee B. Eddy A.T. Huddleston Robert Lucas Richard Meagher L. Earl Simms City of Salem E.P. Hart H.R. Garden G.L. Mattern Town of Vinton Henry A. Howell Armand L. Sanderson

“The Fifth Planning District Commission was officially established on August 25, 1969

and held its first organizational meeting on September 26, 1969 at the historic

Fincastle Courthouse.”


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)


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

• Housing Supply for the Fifth Planning District

• District Parks and Open Space Plan

• Comprehensive Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Facilities Plan

• Commuter Service Study

• Planning Assistance

• Seminar Participation

“In November 1971, an invitation was extended to Executive Director, Robert Shannon, to attend an InterRegional Seminar on Urban Land Policies and Land Use Control Measures in Madrid, Spain. Mr. Shannon prepared a monograph which was presented to the 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.”


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

“In 1973, Commission staff members worked on a grant proposal whereby a series of

television programs would explore a wide range of problems relating to the governmental process in the Fifth Planning District area. A major goal of the television

project is to stimulate more citizen participation in the affairs of local government. The project was

funded by a special demonstration grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.”

“In December 1972, over 300 persons attended the Fifth

Planning District Commission’s Annual Dinner

which was held in the Exhibition Hall of the Roanoke Civic Center.

Governor Linwood Holton and his six‐member Cabinet were among the honored

guests. Governor Holton was introduced by his former law partner, Congressman M. Caldwell Butler, newly

elected member of the U.S. House of Representatives.”


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.”


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

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“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.”


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


• 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.”


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


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



• Regional Land Use Plan

• Mapping for Craig County

• Conducted three planning workshops

• Participated in three “open mike” radio shows

• Sponsored film showings on planning matters

“A stellar achievement was reached when the Commission helped work

out a cooperative agreement between the Town of New Castle and Craig County, whereby the 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”.


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.


FY 1979‐80

• Prepared “A Transition Plan to Achieve Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973”, which set forth recommendations to make the transportation system more accessible to the elderly and handicapped

• Updated the Overall Economic Development Plan for the Alleghany Highlands

• Established a 10‐member Enterprise Development Committee to foster private economic development in the Alleghany Highlands area. The committee helped to assess development needs and reviewed development proposals.

• Sponsored nine land use planning workshops

• Conducted a radio series on planning topics

• Developed a “Fair Housing Ordinance” and distributed the ordinance for use by member jurisdictions ‐‐‐ Vinton and Covington subsequently adopted the suggested ordinance

• Prepared a “Planning Inventory of Botetourt County” which included an analysis of growth pressures in southern Botetourt

• Completed a Pre‐Disaster Housing Site Selection Studies for Botetourt County, the City of Roanoke, and Roanoke County

“Prior to 1979, transportation planning in the Roanoke Valley urbanized area was directed by the Transportation Policy Board of the Fifth Planning District which was established in 1976. Rural transportation was conducted by the Commonwealth with the Fifth PDC serving only in an advisory capacity. In 1979, the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was established and recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as the entity responsible for transportation‐related planning within the Roanoke urbanized area. The MPO is a policy‐making body which reviews and approves all transportation activities affecting the Roanoke Valley. MPO endorsement of the annual Transportation Improvement Program is mandatory for receipt of federal and state funding to support this program. The technical work of the MPO is conducted by the staff of the Fifth PDC.


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


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.”


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


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.”


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


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


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).”


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


FY 1988‐89

• Purchased 3‐story office building and 17‐space parking lot at 313 Luck Avenue in downtown Roanoke

• Assisted Clifton Forge, Craig County and the City of Salem with updates of their comprehensive plans

• Prepared draft subdivision ordinance revisions for the City of Roanoke

• Pursued development of a Strategic Plan

• Conducted a Mobile Home Study for Botetourt County.

• Prepared Vinton Growth Pressure Study

• Assisted the City of Roanoke with three neighborhood plans (Hershberger Hills, Greater Deyerle, and Loudon/Melrose)

• Provided assistance to the City of Roanoke with research and data collection and analysis for the Urban Enterprise Zone reapplication, the Hanna Court Mobile Home Study, and the Northwest Supermarket Survey

• Prepared Regional Solid Waste Management Plan

• Developed Street Naming/House Numbering Procedures for Alleghany County and Botetourt County

• Completed Salem Thoroughfare Plan, Phase 2

• Completed U.S. Route 220 Corridor Study

“In the Commission’s 1987 Annual Report, it was noted that the PDC had become a different entity than it was in 1969, and that the PDC would probably undergo changes as it enters its next 20 years. The issue of the changing nature of the PDC was brought home during the last fiscal year as the Commission pursued the development of a Strategic Plan. A Strategic Plan may be defined as “the process by which an organization envisions its future and develops the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that future.” The Commission’s Strategic Plan, the first ever adopted by this organization, is intended to direct the future of the PDC into the decade of the 1990s. The following were accomplished during the Strategic Planning process – development of a Mission Statement, identification of the critical issues facing local governments in the district, and development of goals and objectives for addressing the critical issues.”


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


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. “


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


• 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.


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.”


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‐Point Source Pollution Study

“In September 1993, the Fifth PDC initiated a 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.


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


• 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.”


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.”


“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.”

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


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


FY 1998‐99

• Long Range Transportation Plan

• Unified Planning Work Program


• Prepared “Moving People and Goods in the Valley: A Guide to Transportation Services in the Fifth Planning District”

• Explored the private sector demand for transit services, specifically among the employees of large firms located beyond the limits of Valley Metro bus service along U.S. Route 221/460 (Orange Avenue) and 11/460 (West Main Street) corridors

• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (September 1998)

• Route 11 Corridor Study (Botetourt County)

• Flood Prone Roadways in the Fifth Planning District

• Held two Regional Land Use Forums

• Continuation of Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance activities

• Roanoke Valley Open Space Study

• “Project Impact Roanoke Valley” Initiated

• Assisted Botetourt and Craig Counties in updating their comprehensive plans

• Assisted the City of Salem and Craig County in updating their zoning ordinances

“The Roanoke Valley officially became the first

Project Impact Community in Virginia during a ceremony held December 15, 1998 as representatives of the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton signed a Memorandum of Agreement. The Fifth PDC served as fiscal agent for the $500,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant and housed the staff of Project Impact. “


FY 1999‐00

• Changed Name to the Roanoke Valley‐Alleghany Regional Commission in October 1999

• Travel Time Survey Pilot Project

• Conducted research on air quality issues and monitored EPA’s effort to implement new air quality standards

• Covington‐CSX Depot Restoration Project

• C&O Rails‐to‐Trails Project

• Co‐Sponsored Regional Leadership Trip to Pittsburgh, PA (September 1999)

• Provided data to Roanoke City for its neighborhood planning process and upcoming comprehensive plan revision

• 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


“In an effort to better define the geographic area it serves and to

bring its “regional” focus to the forefront, the Commission officially changed its name from the Fifth Planning

District Commission to the Roanoke ValleyAlleghany Regional

Commission on October 28, 1999.”


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


• 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


FY 2001‐02

• RIDE Solutions, new rideshare program for the region is launched

• Roanoke Valley Long Range Water Supply System Planning

• Regional National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Phase II Activities

• Covington Downtown Revitalization‐ worked with the City and Olde Town Covington, Inc. to implement planning grant activities, which included a market survey and an engineering and physical attributes analysis

• Preparation of an Emergency Resources Directory

• Provided Management Services for the Town of Iron Gate’s North Housing Rehabilitation Grant

• Hosted the Virginia Geographic Information System Conference at the Hotel Roanoke ‐‐‐ over 550 mapping specialists attended

• Updated Botetourt County Recreation Plan

• Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance’s Regional Economic Strategy completed

• 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

“RIDE Solutions, the region’s rideshare program, was launched in FY 2002. The Regional Commission

received a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to

launch a campaign to encourage residents to use

alternative modes of transportation while

commuting to work. The new program, entitled RIDE Solutions, replaced the previously administered carpooling effort by Valley Metro which was entitled

“RideShare”. RIDE Solutions will serve the Roanoke metropolitan area and surrounding localities in

southwestern Virginia, such as Alleghany, Craig, Franklin and Montgomery counties and the western half of Botetourt County. The

Regional Commission hired Ronda Boutte to serve as the Program Manager.”


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


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

• Total Maximum Daily Load Report for the Tinker Creek Watershed

• Update to the Alleghany County Emergency Operations Plan

• Regional Brownfield Assessment and Inventory

• Conducted research for the National Geographic/ Appalachian Regional Commission Map Guide of Appalachian Tourist Sites

• Ozone Early Action Plan

• Phase II of the Regional Bicycle Suitability Study

• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

• Intercity Transportation Connections

“The Ozone Early Action Plan (EAP) was unveiled

at an April 22, 2004 press conference.

Officials of the Virginia Department of

Environmental Quality addressed the

importance of the EAP in statewide efforts to

improve air quality and congratulated local

leaders for their willingness to improve the region’s air quality before being mandated by the Environmental

Protection Agency as a non‐attainment area”.


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 County, the Town of Iron Gate, and RADAR to facilitate service expansion of “The Mountain Express”

• Produced/updated maps for the SmartWay, Ferrum Express, Hollins Express, and Maroon Express ‐‐‐ updated regular Valley Metro route flyers and snow route map

• Held various “Freight Forums”

• Obtained Pilot Transportation Planning 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

“As part of the “Freight

Forum” series developed by

the staff, an official with

Norfolk Southern Railway

Corporation spoke to

stakeholders about the

Heartland Express concept

that would add an

intermodal freight terminal

in our region.”


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

• Preparation of the Rural Bike Plan

• Scenario Planning for the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Long Range Transportation Planning Process

• Roanoke Valley Conceptual Thoroughfare Plan: 2050

• Prepared “Pedestrian Access to Commercial Centers: Connecting Residential and Commercial Land Uses”

• Completed Roanoke Valley Signage Study

• Preparation of Rural Planning Profiles

“Another example of the progress made this past year was the completion of the Alleghany Highlands Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) that brought together four governments (Alleghany County, the City of Covington, and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate) to cooperatively pursue a new direction for enhancing their economic health.”


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.”


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


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


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

Documents

40th Year Report