The annual update cycle for the New River Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is nearly complete. The process began last fall, when the CEDS committee met to discuss the needed updates to this year’s CEDS document, and identify projects to include in next year’s CEDS project list. NRVRC completed the requested updates during the spring, and the NRVRC board voted to approve the full version of the annual update to the report at their June 2015 meeting. The 2015 CEDS report is available for download on the economic development section of the NRVRC website.
The final step is the completion of the ‘Consumer Version’ of the CEDS for approval of the NRVRC board at the September meeting. The Consumer Version of the CEDS provides a one page summary of the latest updates on the regional economy, and more information on this year’s top projects.
Some of the top projects in this year’s CEDS have started development already, including work on the workforce development, entrepreneurship opportunities, tourism, and marketing efforts, which are ongoing projects. Other top projects on the list will achieve major milestones this year as well, such as the start of construction on the Route 460 bypass interchange at Southgate Drive at Virginia Tech.
In Fall 2015, the NRVRC will complete the New River Valley Agriculture and Agritourism Strategic Plan, which provides recommendations on projects and strategies to support businesses in the region’s agriculture sector. The NRVRC and partner organizations will then implement the strategies of the plan as possible, especially those that align with the CEDS.
In January 2016, the NRVRC will complete a preliminary study to identify opportunities to extend passenger rail service to the New River Valley, with a goal of starting service in the year 2020. More information on this project at: https://www.nrvpassengerrail.org/.
For further information, please contact Patrick O’Brien (pobrien@nrvrc.org) or 540-639-9313, ext. 206.