ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Working to bring local governments together by promoting regional cooperation,coordination, and communication.

THE REGIONAL COMMISSION

Alleghany CountyThe Honorable Carolyn Barnette

The Honorable Dave PriceJohn Strutner

Botetourt CountyThe Honorable Stephen Clinton

The Honorable Billy Martin, Sr., Vice ChairNed McElwaineTodd Wampler

Craig CountyThe Honorable Jennifer DurlingThe Honorable Richard Flora

Franklin CountyThe Honorable Russell Johnson

The Honorable Ronnie ThompsonThe Honorable Charles Wagner

Chris Whitlow

Roanoke CountyThe Honorable Ed Elswick B. Clayton Goodman, III

The Honorable Kevin HutchinsDean Martin, Treasurer

The Honorable Charlotte MooreJ. Lee E. Osborne

City of CovingtonThe Honorable B. B. Bryant, Jr.

John Doane

City of RoanokeThe Honorable David A. Bowers

Jay FosterRob Logan, IIIChris Morrill

The Honorable Court RosenThe Honorable David Trinkle, Chair

City of SalemThe Honorable John Givens

The Honorable Jane JohnsonMelinda Payne

Town of Clifton ForgeDarlene Burcham

The Honorable Jimmie Houff

Town of Rocky MountJames Ervin

The Honorable John Lester

Town of VintonThe Honorable Bradley E. Grose

Chris Lawrence

LIAISON MEMBERS(Non-Voting)

Beth Doughty(Roanoke Regional Partnership)

Teresa Hammond (Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce)

Landon Howard(Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Debbie Kavitz(Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of

Commerce)

Dr. Robert Sandel(Virginia Western Community College)

Dr. Richard Teaff(Dabney S. Lancaster Community College)

Doloris Vest(Western Virginia Workforce Develop. Board)

Joyce Waugh(Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce)

(NOTE: Member listing as of June 30, 2010)

commissioners

As we close out another work program year, I believe the Regional Commission has made some great strides in expanding its services to our constituents. It has been a rough economic time for our member governments as well as our partner organizations throughout the region. Although the Commission has seen reductions in revenue sources, we have worked diligently to provide the best service we could in light of our limited resources.

The FY2010 Comprehensive Work Program outlined more than 30 projects to be undertaken by the staff during the fiscal year. The Work Program

addressed numerous planning projects in the areas of transportation, community/economic development and environmental analysis. These projects are highlighted in this annual report.

Beyond the regional and local government projects pursued this year, the Commission’s staff also provided assistance to various agencies of the Commonwealth to help implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (i.e., the federal stimulus program) and initiatives called for by the General Assembly. For example, our staff was part of a consortium of PDCs that helped the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy establish procedures for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The staff also worked with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) throughout Virginia to establish the Virginia Association of MPOs, as requested by the General Assembly during the 2009 session.

As we examine regional approaches to issues that affect our local governments, it is clear that challenges and opportunities still exist. The issues facing our region also face neighboring regions around us. For that reason, the staff of the Regional Commission worked with the staff of the Region 2000 Local Government Council (serving the greater Lynchburg area) to convene the first joint meeting between our two organizations. This meeting provided the opportunity for our Commissioners to discuss common issues and concerns. Our hope is to have similar meetings with other neighboring Commissions in the future.

As we enter a new Work Program year, I want to let our member governments and other constituents know that we stand ready to assist them as they work to enhance the quality of life of residents in the region. Please contact me, or the staff of the Regional Commission, if we can be of assistance to you.

Dr. David B. Trinkle Chairmanchai

rman

’s m

essa

ge

Alleghany County2009 Population: 16,885

445 Square Miles(Includes Clifton Forge)

City of Covington2009 Population: 5,927

5.7 Square Miles

Town of Clifton Forge2008 Population: 3,932

3.1 Square Miles

Botetourt County2009 Population: 33,299

543 Square MilesCraig County

2009 Population: 5,211331 Square Miles

Town of Vinton2008 Population: 7,868

3.2 Square MilesCity of Salem

2009 Population: 25,16314.6 Square Miles

City of Roanoke2009 Population: 93,304

42.9 Square Miles

Roanoke County2009 Population: 92,991

251 Square Miles(Includes Vinton)

Town of Rocky Mount2008 Population: 4,535

6.5 Square Miles

Franklin County2009 Population: 53,450

692 Square Miles(Includes Rocky Mount)

Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Boundary

2009 Region:326,230 Population2,325 Square Miles

service area

Bedford County(Member of MPO)

(Year Ended June 30, 2010)

REVENUES

Grants and Appropriations

Federal Grants

State Grants and Appropriations

Local Grants and Appropriations

Miscellaneous and Interest

Total Revenues

EXPENDITURES

Personnel

Contract Services

Operations & Other Expenditures

Total Expenses

Excess (Deficit) of Revenues Over Expenses

Actual

$615,281

270,217

246,090

26,440

1,158,028

$773,846

149,631

243,965

1,167,442

(9,414)

financial report

Federal53%

Personnel66%

Operations & Other21%

Contracts13%

State23%

Local22%

Misc. & Int.2%

Revenues Expenses

n At the request of Botetourt County, Commission staff assisted the Town of Troutville in the development of the Troutville Strategic Plan. Staff provided planning consultation, meeting facilitation, and SWOT Analysis. The Plan can be reviewed at www.rvarc.org/work/work.htm.

n Staff provided grant management assistance to Craig County for the Craig County Health Center Community Development Block Grant. The project was reviewed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and successfully closed out in April 2010.

n The Regional Commission staff is providing Labor Standards compliance assistance for the Iron Gate Water Tank Project, funded by the Virginia Health Department through the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act. Operation of the new water tank began in September 2010.

n The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Louis Berger Group, Inc., in cooperation with MeadWestvaco and the local governments in the Alleghany Highlands, have completed the development of the Jackson River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Study Phase 2. The work included the development of the stressor identification report, the development of the endpoint, the calibration and validation of the water quality model, and

the development of the Chesapeake Bay Existing Conditions Scenario. The TMDL was approved by the US EPA in July 2010.

n Regional Commission staff worked with the City of Covington Planning Commission to update Covington’s Comprehensive Plan.

n Senior Planner Eddie Wells is serving on the Vinton Downtown Revitalization Management Team. The Town of Vinton is utilizing a Planning Grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a plan for revitalizing the downtown area.

n Regional Commission staff worked with Chad Williams, Director of Alleghany County Parks & Recreation, to develop Jackson River Greenway grant applications for the VDOT Transportation Enhancement Program and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program. The County received approval for a $300,000 grant from the VDOT Transportation Enhancement Program in June 2010.

n The Regional Commission, in cooperation with local governments and the Greenway Commission, is conducting user counts for area greenways. Current or recent trail counts have been conducted on the Roanoke River Greenway, Lick Run Greenway, Murray Run Greenway, and the Appalachian Trail. The Regional Commission is also working with the Greenway Planning and Standards Committee to develop a standard trail count protocol and methodology. To conduct the trail counts, Regional

com

mu

nit

y/en

viro

nm

enta

l pla

nn

ing

Commission staff use infrared and/or magnetic trail counters along area greenways. Trail count data is downloaded and can be analyzed and displayed in various formats.

n The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, participating local governments, and the Virginia Department of Forestry completed an Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Analysis for the Roanoke Valley. UTC for the study area localities are as follows: City of Roanoke, 48%; City of Salem, 39%; Town of Vinton, 38%; and Roanoke County – urbanized area, 51%. The UTC analysis reports and associated GIS files are available to assist local governments and other stakeholders in conducting similar analyses on selected “geographies” in the study area and setting tree canopy goals. Additional information –

www.rvarc.org/utc.

n The Regional Commission continues to coordinate the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Advisory Council on Homelessness. The Advisory Council facilitates and coordinates the region’s efforts to prevent, treat, and end homelessness and serves as the lead entity for the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care planning process.

n The Regional Commission is assisting in the development of three separate regional water supply plans covering localities in the RVARC service area —

the Greater Roanoke Regional Water Supply Plan, the Upper James Regional Water Supply Plan and the Craig County-Town of New Castle Water Supply Plan. Additional information is available at www.rvarc.org/water.

n The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is conducting a Regional Housing Study to provide an overview of a range of housing and housing-related issues – housing stock, affordability, income, access, land use, transportation, etc. Upon completion of the study, the Regional Commission will work with the Roanoke Regional Housing Networks to develop recommendations and actions to address identified housing needs or opportunities. Additional information is available at www.rvarc.org/housing.

n Staff continues to represent the Regional Commission at meetings of various watershed and conservation groups in the region. Organizations include the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable Advisory Committee, Clean Valley Council Citizens Stormwater Advisory Committee, Upper James Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee.

n Staff assisted the localities of the Alleghany Highlands and the Citizens’ Committee appointed to work for Alleghany County and the City of Covington on a consolidation agreement. Staff developed six voting district map scenarios for the committee. Staff also attended a public meeting held by the Citizens’ Committee to receive comment on the maps.

com

mu

nit

y/en

viro

nm

enta

l pla

nn

ing

sustainability programsn The Regional Commission’s RIDE Solutions Transportation Demand Management

program has grown, moving its offices into the unoccupied first floor of the Commission

building, and is preparing to operate a Commuter Store-style service, with its traditional

online and telephone commuter services augmented by transit pass sales, walk-in service,

and an improved Smart Trips-style sustainable trip planner. Having recently completed

a Long-Range Transportation Demand Management Plan, the RIDE Solutions program

continues to be the leader in green transportation services in the region, supporting

multiple nonprofit and municipal sustainability efforts including the Roanoke Valley Cool

Cities Coalition, the annual Green Living and Energy Expo, Roanoke City’s Citizens for

Clean and Green Committee and Roanoke County’s RC-CLEAR initiative, among others.

Employer-based transportation programs continue to expand, with over 30 partners

representing 40,000+ employees in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Our most recent

partnership with Virginia Tech has resulted in a doubling of the commuter database. For

more information on the region’s rideshare program, visit www.ridesolutions.org.

n The Regional Commission is one of the inaugural participants in the Roanoke Regional

Chamber’s “Cool Green Biz” program. The certification program, developed by the

Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition and administered by the Chamber, is a first-of-its-

kind partnership between the local business and environmental communities to provide

organizations a measurable path to sustainability and recognition for their efforts. The

Commission is proud to have been designated at Level 2 out of a three-tiered certification

system. Measures the Commission has undertaken as part of this program have been

a paper reduction program, better control of lights and thermostats, motion detectors

on lights in the 3rd-floor hallway, and a replacement of the building’s lighting with higher-

efficiency equipment. The Commission has seen energy reductions of 10% to 25% over

the course of the year and hopes to continue to improve its performance.

n The Regional Commission received a grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to develop

a regional energy efficiency program, to be known as Volunteers for Energy (VfE). The

VfE is intended to assist businesses, industries, institutions, and governmental entities

in reducing energy usage, eliminating waste and managing natural resources efficiently.

VfE will utilize retired engineers and scientists to provide confidential and nonregulatory

energy efficiency and pollution prevention assessments to its clients. VfE will be based on

successful programs throughout the nation that harness the expert knowledge of retired

technical professionals, such as North Carolina’s Waste Reduction Partners program.

n Staff continued work on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process, a regional strategy which reflects local economic development needs and priorities and recommends a regional approach to achieving sustainable economic development. Staff worked closely with the majority private sector CEDS Committee to receive project nominations and to rank those projects by a set of regionally selected criteria to arrive at regional priorities for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) investment. For more information on the CEDS process, visit

www.regionalstrategy.org.

n Staff submitted information necessary to pursue designation as an Economic Development District. The designation request is awaiting final resolution of an issue involving EDA’s regulation of Economic Development District Board composition. Our staff is now working with other PDCs in Virginia, as well as the EDA Philadelphia Region Office, to determine how PDCs will structure their boards to meet the EDA regulation.

n Commission staff assisted Alleghany County with an application to the US Economic Development Administration’s Community Trade Adjustment Assistance program, a new program initiated to assist communities with significant job losses due to a certified trade-related plant closure. Alleghany County applied for funds necessary to acquire the Low Moor Data Security Center site, a former limestone mine in the Low Moor area of Alleghany County.

n Staff continued coordination of Virginia’s Western Highlands tourism initiative by working with the Virginia’s Western Highlands stakeholder committee to coordinate the project, and a funding request to local governments involved in the project was made to obtain funding necessary for the development of additional collateral.

n The Roanoke Valley–Alleghany Regional Commission worked with the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge to quantify the economic impact of the Arts and Cultural Industry on a 12-county area. Institutional members of the Arts Council were surveyed as to their budgets, including sources of their revenues, and as to their estimated visitation. The Commission’s IMPLAN model for the region was employed to estimate the impacts, including the appropriate multipliers, on the study area. (IMPLAN is used to create complete, extremely detailed Social Accounting Matrices and Multiplier Models of local economies.) The full report can be downloaded from www.rvarc.org/work/artsimpact.pdf.

n The Regional Commission analyzed the regional impact of the National College Blue Ridge Marathon, which was held in the Roanoke region in April of 2010. Staff prepared an economic impact analysis of the Marathon, which showed that outdoor recreation is big business for the Roanoke region. A copy of the full report can be viewed at www.rvarc.org/work/marathonimpact.pdf.

n Staff worked with the Roanoke Regional Partnership to select and collect data on a series of metrics involving both regional economic performance and quality of life amenities. The report details regional trends in gross metropolitan product, income, population growth, trail usage, state park attendance, and a host of other data points.ec

on

om

ic d

evel

op

men

t &

to

uri

sm

n In September of 2009, members of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission met jointly with members of the Region 2000 Local Government Council at the Peaks of Otter to discuss the two regions and explore possible avenues for cooperative activities.

n Staff developed a listing of programs and projects in the region funded through the American Reinvestments and Recovery Act. Staff reported that the region had been awarded over $146 million dollars through the end of 2009.

n Commission staff served on the City of Roanoke Complete Census Count Committee and worked as active members of the committee to promote Census form completion through various promotional campaigns. The Commission donated temporary storage space to the US Census Bureau to assist in its efforts to ensure complete coverage throughout the immediate region.

n Staff continues to organize various regional meetings, such as the area Mayors & Chairs and Chief Administrative Officials.

n The Regional Commission hosted several American Planning Association Webinars on such topics as Ethics & Planning Law, Performance Measurement in Transportation Planning, Planning with Large Institutions and Monetizing Sustainability. AICP certified planners were able to earn up to 1.5 certification maintenance credits for each conference attended.

n A Public Information Meeting/Open House was held in June 2010 to obtain citizen and business input on regional transportation planning issues. The event also serves to showcase the many programs/projects undertaken by the Regional Commission and the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

n The Commission continues to host Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals webinars.

n Staff examined the Financial Impact and Leveraging of Regional Commission Investments from 1990-2009. The report examined local government investment in the context of federal, state and other grant funds that are secured for the region. For each $1 of local investment, the Commission generates $7.90 of impact and leverage from other sources.

n Staff studied data on population growth, migration and education trends to identify population dynamics within the region, with a focus on Franklin County. Data from the 2000 Census was compared to 2006-2008 Census estimates to examine potential growth trends in the region.

n Staff defined and mapped “green infrastructure”-related features for the region. This mapping effort provided a complete inventory of protected land parcels, trails, streams, forested areas, and ecologically significant areas. This inventory can now be used for other planning efforts such as greenway planning, general long-range planning, and land preservation efforts.

n Commission staff combined future land use mapping from member localities into a composite future land use map for the region.te

chn

ical

ass

ista

nce

n Staff assisted the Alleghany Highlands with an update to the Alleghany Highlands Enterprise Zone. The proposed update includes changing the enterprise zone boundary to include more land parcels that could benefit from enterprise zone incentives.

n The Federal Emergency Management Agency produces free software for natural disaster impact analysis called HAZUS. Staff evaluated the software using portions of Botetourt County as a pilot study. Staff expects to use the software more fully with a 2011 update to the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

n Regional Commission staff developed an archive system to maintain historical data on land parcel records for the region. The data will be useful for tracking changes in land parcels ,such as average parcel size and value.

n The Commission hosted a Regional Legislative Luncheon in December of 2009. The Commission works with its Chief Elected Officials and Administrators/Managers to develop a Regional Legislative Agenda which addresses some of the key regional issues and concerns of its member localities. Area Senators and Delegates are invited to these meetings to discuss with local officials issues of concern and to provide their perspectives on what the General Assembly will be focusing on during the upcoming Session.

n In 2010, staff updated the Regional Report Card. The purpose of the report is to address tech

nic

al a

ssis

tan

cethe lack of understanding about the level of regional cooperation taking place. The Report Card highlights how local governments are working together on numerous types of cooperative activities. There are 117 multi-jurisdictional cooperative programs/projects cited in the report (www.rvarc.org/work/2010reportcardfinal.pdf).

n Staff assisted the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission in developing and submitting a TIGER Discretionary grant to the U.S. Department of Transportation for $19.4 million to complete the Roanoke River Greenway from Green Hill Park to Explore Park.

n Staff continued to maintain the website of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission. Staff also prepared map brochures and kiosk maps for the area greenways, as well as an interactive greenway map.

n Staff held meetings with Valley Metro and the City of Roanoke concerning the feasibility of a bus connector to the passenger rail station in Lynchburg. A staff report was produced on the subject, which can be viewed at www.rvarc.org/work/BusConnectorStaffReport.pdf.

n The Commission was re-designated as a “Bicycle-Friendly Business” by the League of American Bicyclists (Bronze Level). This award was given, in part, because of the significant support the staff provides the “bicycle community” in the region. Staff is also working with other localities and businesses in the area to pursue designation.

n Staff assisted Valley Metro with an update to the Hollins Express map and timetable, and mapping of private property access for Valley Metro bus routes.

One responsibility of the Roanoke

Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission

is to provide a leadership role in the

transportation planning process for

the cities of Roanoke and Salem,

the town of Vinton, and portions of

Bedford, Botetourt and Roanoke

counties. This is accomplished through

the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan

Planning Organization (MPO), which is

staffed by the Regional Commission.

The Roanoke Valley Area MPO is

recognized as the official transportation

planning agency for the Roanoke urban

region as required by federal law.

n In order for the region to receive

federal funds for use on highway,

transit, non-motorized, and multi-

modal systems, the MPO is

required to develop a long-range

transportation plan with a 20-year

planning horizon. Staff devoted

much time during the fiscal year

toward the development of the

2035 Constrained Long-Range

Transportation Plan. The plan is

a long-range strategy and capital

improvement plan developed to

guide the effective investment

of public funds in multi-modal

transportation facilities. The

Long-Range Plan provides the

context from which the region’s

Transportation Improvement

Program (TIP), a short-range

capital improvement program for

implementing highway, transit,

and bikeway projects, is drawn.

The long-range plan also has

an active public involvement

process (www.rvarc.org/work/

LRTP2035draftsmall.pdf) .

n The Roanoke Valley Area MPO worked

jointly with MPOs from across Virginia

in developing a framework to form the

Virginia Association of Metropolitan

Planning Organizations (VAMPO).

The VAMPO will provide a forum for

MPOs to exchange information and

experiences, enhance the practice of

metropolitan transportation planning,

provide education opportunities and

discuss issues relative to local, state and

federal policies and requirements for

transportation planning. The organization

will likely be chartered in 2011.

n A large project undertaken by the staff

during the fiscal year was the Route 419

Corridor Plan. In the fall of 2008, the

Roanoke Valley Area MPO partnered with

the Virginia Department of Transportation

and local governments to undertake

the multi-modal transportation plan

of Route 419. The consultant firms of

Renaissance Planning Group and Kimley-

Horn Associates were retained to assist

in developing the plan. Through extensive

public involvement and study, a vision

and supporting recommendations were

developed for the corridor. The planning

effort was jointly funded by the Roanoke

Valley Area MPO, Salem District-VDOT, and

a grant from the Virginia Intermodal Planning

Office. The MPO and VDOT will seek ways

to coordinate with local governments to

implement the plan. The completed Corridor

Plan can be reviewed at www.rvarc.org/

mop/419/419plan.htm.

n The Regional Commission continued

its partnership with VDOT to complete

phase III of a Rural Long-Range

Transportation Plan for the region.

Detailed recommendations were

tran

spo

rtat

ion

/mu

lti-

mo

dal

developed for each member local

government and the public to

review. The plan is scheduled for

completion by the end of FY2011.

Draft documents of the plan can be

reviewed at www.rvarc.org/mpo/

rural.html.

n The MPO assisted Roanoke County

with the Transportation component

of the Vinton Area Corridors

Plan, including analysis and

recommendations regarding safety,

wayfinding, bicycles, pedestrians,

and traffic capacity. The plan was a

cooperative effort between Roanoke

County, the Town of Vinton, and the

MPO. The completed Corridor Plan

can be reviewed at www.rvarc.

org/work/work.htm.

Other transportation/multi-modal

projects undertaken during the program

year included:

n Refugee and Immigration Trends

Long-Range Planning Scenario

n Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Long-Range Planning Scenario

(FY2010 and 2011 joint effort)

n Car Sharing Feasibility Study

n Online Transportation

Improvement Program (TIP) Map

n Draft RVAMPO Bicycle Plan

Update (to be completed in

FY2011)

n Roanoke Valley Greenway Status

Map Update

n Several micro-simulation models

of regional corridors using

Synchro software

Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

Bedford CountyThe Honorable Dale Wheeler

Botetourt CountyThe Honorable Billy Martin, Sr.

Ron Smith

Roanoke CountyThe Honorable Richard Flora, Vice Chair

The Honorable Charlotte Moore(Alternate: The Honorable Ed Elswick)

City of RoanokeThe Honorable David Trinkle, Chairman

Dr. M. Rupert Cutler

City of SalemThe Honorable Jane Johnson

Melinda Payne

Town of VintonDoug Adams

The Honorable Carolyn Fidler

Greater Roanoke Transit CompanyLeon Alder

Roanoke Valley-AlleghanyRegional Commission

J. Lee E. Osborne

Roanoke Regional Airport CommissionJacqueline Shuck

(Alternate: Efren Gonzalez)

Virginia Dept. of Transportation—SalemRichard Caywood

(Alternate: Michael Gray)

NON-VOTING MEMBERS

Federal Highway AdministrationTony Cho

Federal Transit AdministrationTammye Davis

Virginia Dept. of Rail & Public TransportationJeff Sizemore

tran

spo

rtat

ion

/mu

lti-

mo

dal

The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission serves its member

governments, citizens and businesses by actively promoting inter-jurisdictional

communication, coordination, and cooperation on issues affecting the district and

by providing local technical assistance.

mission

Front (left to right): Shane Sawyer, Regional Planner III; Olivia Dooley, Finance Director;

Mark McCaskill, AICP, Senior Planner; Jeremy Holmes, Coordinator of Sustainability Programs

Back (left to right) John Hull, CCR, Regional Economic Development Manager;

Eddie Wells, AICP, Senior Planner; Jake Gilmer, AICP, Senior Planner;

Jackie L. Pace, Office Manager; Matt Miller, GISP, Director of Information Services;

Wayne G. Strickland, Executive Director

staff

The staff of the Regional Commission has

worked hard to provide the best services it

can to its member governments during this

time of economic uncertainty. Although the

Commission has experienced a 36% reduction

in State funding and a 14% reduction in local

funds, we have tried to accommodate projects

requested by our member governments, as well

as pursue some new regional projects.

Over the last year, the staff prepared 5 grants

for multi-jurisdictional (regional) projects and

assisted with 12 individual grants for member

governments. The Commission was successful

in obtaining $1.9 million in grants that benefit multiple governments in our

region, and our member governments were awarded $1.6 million in funding for

individual projects. Some of the successful regional grant applications include:

the Western Virginia Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Assistance

Project; the Volunteers for Energy Program; a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning

Project; and an Economic Development Administration Planning Project

(the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy). Our ability to bring

in additional funds from outside sources (Federal and State) illustrates that

we are able to generate additional revenue for our region even during lean

financial times.

As the Commission moves into its new work program year, we look for

opportunities to support our member governments and partner organizations

throughout the region. It is only through your support of our programs and

services that we can continue to offer the quality services we provide. By

working cooperatively we can help our region enhance its economy and the

quality of life for all our citizens.

Wayne G. Strickland Executive Director

dir

ecto

r’s

mes

sag

e

The Regional Commission313 Luck Ave., SW / PO Box 2569 / Roanoke, Virginia 24010

Tel: 540.343.4417 / Fax: 540.343.4416www.rvarc.org / rvarc@rvarc.org

Serving the counties of Alleghany,Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke,

the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem,and the towns of Clifton Forge,

Rocky Mount and Vinton