Alexander is one of two economic development officials funded by a windfall of state
and federal grants - an $800,000 Virginia
Department of Housing and Community Development Block Grant to revitalize the historic
downtown, a $54,000 TEA-21 VDOT grant for downtown landscaping,
$175,000 in VDOT funds for a park access road, a HUD
award to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a $350,000 Brownfields grant from the EPA, a grant from Virginia's
Center for Innovative Technology in support of the town's Broadband Initiative, and ,
most recently, a $25,000 Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry. Shenandoah has also
applied for nearly $700,000 in federal funds to develop a wireless broad-band system.
Shenandoah is one of the smallest communities to receive a Brownfields grant and will
serve as a pilot project for other rural communities with possible hazardous waste sites.
Shenandoah’s Brownfields Project focuses on Big
Gem, a 68-acre tract of land on U.S. Route 340 that was once the site of an iron-ore
foundry and later a municipal dump. The EPA grant was used to conduct an environmental
assessment and now, after a report of no significant contamination, for redevelopment
planning and outreach efforts.
Anderson & Associates is preparing the site
design for a recreational park on Big Gem that will include interpretive trails and signs
describing the history of the town, the railroad, and the iron furnace that was last in
use in the early 1900's. The first phase of redevelopment, which is currently underway,
focuses on the pond area at Big Gem Park. "We are relying heavily on volunteers for
the development," Alexander says. "Citizens have already done some clearing and
landscaping."
Alexander was promoted from Assistant Economic Development Director in July. She is no
stranger to government work, having served in the Governor’s Office under two
administrations as head writer and editor of gubernatorial correspondence for two years
after her graduation from James Madison University in 2000. Alexander spends her spare
time scuba diving and managing her rental properties in Rockingham and Page Counties.
Meanwhile, revitalization efforts and incentives are drawing new businesses into
downtown. Enticements include grants up to $30,000 for façade improvements, low-interest
loans up to $25,000, a 10-year tax abatement for renovated properties, informational
seminars, free advertising on the new Town website, free website development, and, if the
grant is approved, free broadband Internet service for a year. For interested
entrepreneurs, several commercial buildings are for sale or rent. For a peek at their
progress, visit www.TownofShenandoah.com
(also designed by A&A).
