Bill Text: VA HJR792 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the New River Valley Regional Commission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-18 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ792ER) [HJR792 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR792-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission was chartered on October 9, 1969, establishing a Planning District Commission to serve Virginia's New River Valley; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of the New River Valley Regional Commission is an opportunity to recognize the agency's contributions to the betterment of the region and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission was chartered following the visionary leadership provided by the General Assembly's 1968 Hahn Commission, which set forth the importance of working together regionally for the efficiencies of service delivery and economic well-being; and
WHEREAS, the initial localities that created the New River Valley Regional Commission included the Counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski; the City of Radford; and the Towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Pulaski; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission's membership has since expanded twice, in 2000 and 2018, with membership now including Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Radford University, New River Community College, and the Towns of Floyd, Pearisburg, Pembroke, Narrows, and Rich Creek; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 membership expansion included the first community college in Virginia to join a Planning District Commission, New River Community College, which exemplifies one of the region's key strengths, the ability of local governments to collaborate with higher education institutions to increase economic prosperity and enhance service delivery; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission has remained focused on delivering services to support area-wide planning for the physical, social, and economic elements of the region; helping members plan for their future; coordinating federal, state, and local efforts to secure resources to address challenges and opportunities; and implementing projects as requested; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission serves as an Economic Development District established by the United States Economic Development Administration and a Local Development District for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which directly benefits the region by securing federal funds to address local issues; and
WHEREAS, the members of the New River Valley Regional Commission have utilized the structure provided by the agency to establish many impactful regional solutions for issues such as community corrections, industrial park development, water and waste water systems, small business development, foreign trade zone designation, broadband planning and implementation, economic development, and preservation of natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission has addressed hazard mitigation, emergency services, cultural heritage development, human services, outdoor recreation asset development, water quality planning, transportation infrastructure, housing, downtown revitalization, tourism marketing, financial services, analytical mapping services, early childhood education, organizational development, and capacity building among elected and appointed officials; and
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Regional Commission continues to provide a critical forum for collaboration that benefits the residents of the region and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the New River Valley Regional Commission on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the New River Valley Regional Commission as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its contributions to the New River Valley and the Commonwealth.
