Roanoke to receive nearly $12 million from VRA for projects

6:07 p.m.

By Lindsey Henley
WSLS Reporter

Money is tight for everyone including the City of Roanoke right now, but Tuesday the Star City announced it is getting a nice chunk of change from the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA).

It is nearly $12 million that was made possible through infrastructure revenue bonds sold in November.  The money will go to help fund six projects in the city.

The Market Garage off Church Street will get $5 million.  Right now crews are working to fix it up and make it bigger. 

Another million will go to improve Roanoke Fire-EMS facilities including hlep build the new station off Melrose Avenue. 
 
The new police training academy will get $2.5 million.  Right now, it’s on Luck Avenue, but soon recruits will begin their training in a brand new facility near the airport.

Other places the money will help include libraries, street-scaping, and bridge renovation.

According to Roanoke City, the $12 million is not expected to free up any money for any other projects instead it will be used for additional costs on current projects

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11:13 a.m.

By WSLS News Staff

The Star city will receive big bucks for several key infrastructure projects.

The Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) says it will give nearly $12 million dollars to Roanoke, from the more than $200 million the VRA is investing statewide.

The money will be used to help build a new Fire-EMS station, police academy, and make improvements to the City Market parking garage.

Read the full news release below:

RICHMOND—The Virginia Resources Authority is investing more than $200 million in local infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth.  Of that, nearly $12 million will be going to Roanoke for projects including a new fire/EMS station, police academy, and improvements to the city’s Market Garage. 

Roanoke’s City Market is a draw for residents and tourists alike.  And parking is an important element.  The Market Garage is currently undergoing rehabilitation and expansion to include façade improvements and expansion of available parking by 60 spaces.  It will also open up space for additional retail. 

“The market is a great area with fabulous shops and restaurants,” said Roanoke’s Finance Director Ann Shawver.  “Easy access to additional parking will hopefully attract more visitors to our wonderful downtown.” 

Construction is underway on the garage and is expected to be completed by January 2010.

The city is also building a new fire/EMS station – the Melrose station – to serve neighborhoods in northwest Roanoke.  Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2009 with completion expected the following January. 

A new police academy is also in the works, with groundbreaking expected just after the first of the year.  The facility will be specially designed to meet the training needs of Roanoke’s sworn officers. 

The funding for the projects was made possible through infrastructure revenue bonds sold in November in VRA’s pooled financing program.

“This latest issuance provides continued evidence of VRA’s ability to deliver cost-effective financing to communities for critical public projects,” said Sheryl Bailey, VRA Executive Director.  “We’re proud to be a partner in providing funding for localities such as Roanoke to positively impact the lives of the residents.”