Bill Text: VA HJR283 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-04 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ283ER) [HJR283 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR283-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, in 1966, the General Assembly created the Metropolitan Areas Study Commission (the Hahn Commission), which found that a holistic approach to solving local and regional problems needed to be taken; the Commission recommended a new concept, the creation of planning district commissions and service district commissions; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Area Development Act (VADA) passed in 1968, creating the planning district commission framework "to encourage and facilitate local government cooperation and state-local cooperation in addressing, on a regional basis, problems of greater than local significance"; and
WHEREAS, following passage of the VADA, the Commonwealth undertook an aggressive effort to establish planning district commission boundaries, the last of which were announced in 1969, and within one year, planning district commissions were established in 19 of the original 22 districts; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission celebrated 50 years of promoting and supporting regional collaboration; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission serves to foster intergovernmental cooperation by bringing together elected and appointed officials and citizens to discuss common needs and develop solutions to regional issues; and
WHEREAS, over the last 50 years, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission has supported its member governments by conducting studies and identifying solutions in the areas of transportation, economic development, infrastructure, the environment, and community development; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission often serves as a liaison between local and state governments, partnering with the Commonwealth to carry out state initiatives at the local and regional level; these partnerships have included working cooperatively with state agencies on projects such as developing regional water supply plans, preparing transportation plans, and assisting localities with Community Development Block Grants; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is committed to promoting opportunities for regional collaboration and expanding the types of services it provides to its member governments; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission takes great pride in its 50 years of accomplishments, while recognizing the importance of looking ahead to the challenges of the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission on the occasion of its 50th anniversary for the many important programs and services it has provided to the region; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the vital support provided by the Commission to local governments, private citizens, and the Commonwealth.
