TJPDC e–News—Fall 2004

30 Years of Regional Planning, Linking Transportation, Land Use, Economy, & Environment

TJPDC e–News is issued on a quarterly basis to keep you informed about the programs and projects at the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. In addition to e-mail, every issue of TJPDC e–News is posted on our website.

TJPDC e–News provides brief snapshots of our current efforts. If you are interested in additional information on a particular subject, just click on the link embedded in the article or contact the appropriate TJPDC staff member. We hope you enjoy this update. Please feel free to send comments and suggestions to info@tjpdc.org.

The 29H250 Phase 2 Draft Final Report is now completed for review. The study identifies realistic design concepts for transportation system improvements in the area around US 29, US 250, and Hydraulic Road, at the heart of the MPO area roadway network. The report will be available for review and comment through November 15, and will also be used to guide limited state and local resources for system improvements for the maximum community benefit in the coming decades. A team including staff of the MPO, VDOT, Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and expert consultants has been working since November 2003 to refine the variety of recommendations from the Phase 1 report into a package of improvements that address issues by the public and a number of agencies, businesses and organizations. Phase 2 includes detailed technical and economic analysis on those concepts. An efficient, highly inclusive process was utilized to develop practical solutions that met multiple goals, including holding a number of public workshops and special stakeholder work sessions. The report can be viewed at www.tjpdc.org/transportation/29H250_Phase_2_toc.asp. For more information, contact Harrison Rue at (434) 979-7310 x110 or .

The TJPDC recently received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to develop a regional natural hazard mitigation plan. This plan will identify potential risk areas within our community, and make recommendations to reduce damages that occur from natural hazards. Hazard mitigation planning serves to reduce the loss associated with natural hazards by implementing long-term ideas and goals to protect people and property, as well as reduce the costs of disaster response and recovery. The hazard mitigation survey is now available at www.tjpdc.org/environment/hazard_mitigation_survey.asp. The survey will collect important feedback which will aid in understanding citizens' concerns and in formulating ideas about what can be done to reduce future losses. Further participation by interested individuals is strongly encouraged at workshops and meetings throughout the coming year. For more information, contact Shae Garwood at (434) 979-7310 x360 or sgarwood@tjpdc.org.

In observance of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Jefferson Area Disability Services Board (DSB) and the Virginia Business Leadership Network (VABLN) will present training on "The Accommodation Process" for business operators and human resource professionals on October 25 from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon at the Doubletree Hotel in Charlottesville. Suzanne Gosden from the Job Accommodation Network will be the trainer. There is no charge for the event, but registration will be required. To register on VABLN's website, visit www.vabln.org. The DSB will present the 2004 Employer of the Year Award at the event. Nomination forms and any attachments must be submitted by October 8, 2004 to the Jefferson Area Disability Services Board at P.O. Box 1505, Charlottesville, VA 22092. For additional details, visit www.tjpdc.org/housing/dsb/index.asp. For more information, contact Billie Campbell at (434) 979-7310 x230 or bcampbell@tjpdc.org.

Stanardsville Receives Funding For Safety Improvements

Stanardsville has been allocated $22,500 in Transportation Enhancement funds for pedestrian improvements on Routes 33 and 230. An application for Phase 2 funds to complete the pedestrian safety and comfort projects is underway, at a targeted amount of $40,000. The third phase, still under development, will include burial of utilities in the court square area. There will be a public meeting at the Stanardsville Town Hall on October 6 to discuss the projects and how community members and businesses can contribute ideas and resources. The Plan can be viewed at www.tjpdc.org/community/stanardPlan.asp. For more information, contact Billie Campbell at 979-7310 x 230 or .

TJPDC Welcomes New Finance Director

The TJPDC is pleased to announce the appointment of Felicia Morris as its new finance director. Ms. Morris comes to the PDC with years of experience in accounting and fiscal management. In her current role, she is responsible for all aspects of fiscal administration. She has a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from James Madison University with a major in Accounting as well as a Master's of Business Administration degree from Averett University. Ms. Morris is a native and current resident of Louisa County. If you would personally like to welcome Ms. Morris to the TJPDC, you can reach her at (434) 979-7310 x220 or fmorris@tjpdc.org.

The Draft 2005 TJPD Legislative Program will be discussed and voted on by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District localities during November. The program stresses efforts to preserve critical state funding in areas such as education, transportation, and the Comprehensive Services Act, as well as addressing tax reform and land use and growth management issues. The Commission, our localities, and their staffs have all helped in shaping this program, which will inform our legislators and help guide lobbying efforts for the 2005 General Assembly session. The text of the draft program is available at www.tjpdc.org/liaison/legProg.asp. For more information, contact David Blount at (434) 979-7310 x350 or dblount@tjpdc.org.

Lake Monticello Begins Community Planning Process

TJPDC staff is assisting Fluvanna County to lead residents and business owners in the Greater Lake Monticello area to develop a Lake Monticello Community Plan. Many people participated during a kick-off meeting on August 31and a community workshop on September 11. The Plan will shape future transportation, housing, and economic development in the Lake Monticello area. For more information, contact Shae Garwood at (434) 979-7310 x360 or sgarwood@tjpdc.org.

TJPDC Joins Blue Ridge Home Builders Association

The Planning District Commission has become an active member of the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association (BRHBA) through participation in its committee drafting Earthcraft House ä Technical Guidelines. These technical guidelines address specific ways to construct energy-efficient, low-impact houses. This effort links nicely into the PDC's Affordable Green Housing initiative. With this link, consistent construction standards may be used by all interested contractors in the region. For more information, contact Bill Wanner at (434) 979-7310 x390 or wwanner@tjpdc.org.

The Jefferson Area Disability Services Board is accepting letters of intent for Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund (RSIF) for Fiscal Year 2005 (Grant Period December 1, 2004 - May 31, 2005). The maximum grant award is $15,000, paid on a reimbursement basis. Grants must be matched by grantees at a minimum rate of 10% of the total grant request, using local or private funds. A guiding principle for the RSIF is to serve as a first step in the development of a community-based, consumer-focused service delivery system for people with physical and sensory disabilities. If you are interested in submitting a grant proposal, please fax or mail us a letter of intent by October 8. Additional details and instructions can be found at www.tjpdc.org/housing/dsb/index.asp. For more information, contact Billie Campbell at (434) 979-7310 x230 or bcampbell@tjpdc.org.

The Piedmont Workforce Network's Strategic Plan and Action Plan that was submitted in August has been provisionally approved by state officials. The third step in seeking certification for the Piedmont Workforce Network is the completion of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program Plan. The draft WIA Program plan has been posted at www.tjpdc.org/workforce/pwn_strategicPlan.asp. The Piedmont Workforce Network will submit its WIA Program Plan to the state on November 1. The PWN Board approved posting of the first draft of this plan at their September meeting which is available for review and public comment. Comments will be accepted through October 28 and should be sent to Billie Campbell at TJPDC PO Box 1505 Charlottesville, VA 22902 or bcampbell@tjpdc.org. For more information, contact Ms. Campbell at (434) 979-7310 x230.

About this email

TJPDC e–News is a publication of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission and is published as a forum for the latest news and information concerning the programs and projects at the PDC. This newsletter is mailed on a quarterly basis. If you would like to be removed from the distribution list, please contact the TJPDC at info@tjpdc.org or by calling (434) 979–7310.

For more information about the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, please contact us or visit our website:

Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission
300 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1505
Charlottesville, VA 22902-1505
(434) 979–7310
(434) 979-1597 (fax)
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info@tjpdc.org (email)
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Regional planning
linking transportation,
land use, economy, & environment.