News Archives

Virginia Rural Broadband Planning Initiative Program Design (PDF)

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has created the Virginia Rural Broadband Planning Initiative, a comprehensive telecommunications planning effort that will allow communities to identify and develop all elements necessary to create a successful community broadband network. Applications will be accepted on an open basis from November 8, 2006 to June 30, 2007, or until all of the funding is committed. A PowerPoint presentation that provides more information is available.

DHCD will be holding a How-To-Apply workshop for the Virginia Rural Broadband Planning Initiative on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. The workshop will be held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in the Grand Hall from 10:00-12:00. Pre-registration is required. Please download and return the registration information by November 9, 2006.

Agency Strategic Plan and Service Area Plans

DHCD has developed an agency strategic plan and service area plans in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Strategic Planning and Performance-based Budgeting Process. The links below will take you to the agency’s strategic plan including mission, vision, goals, objectives, and performance measures for the agency. The plans reflect the proposed 2006-08 biennial budget introduced before the 2006 General Assembly.

DHCD Strategic Plan

Fire prevention leaders encourage Virginians to be safe this winter and use heating sources carefully.

Furnaces, fireplaces, and woodstoves need yearly checkups to ensure they operate safely. Heating appliances should be cleaned and inspected annually to prevent fires and deadly carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from combustible or flammable objects. Ovens and grills should never be used as a source of heat.

Finally, every home should have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

For more information about home heating safety and other fire prevention tips, go to www.vafire.com or contact your local fire marshal.