April 11, 2005

 

VERONA, VA – Many people think localities should have a voluntary program that pays farmers and landowners to permanently protect working farms and forestland from subdivision, but they don’t know how to finance such a program.  The Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council and the Valley Conservation Council (VCC) are presenting a technical workshop to help answer financing questions on Tuesday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., in the Augusta County Government Center, Board of Supervisors room in Verona, VA.

 

“Options for Financing Local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Programs” is a free educational opportunity for elected officials, county staff, landowners, and all who are interested in preserving the Valley’s agricultural lands and open space. 

 

Participants will learn from the experts in financing PDR programs, including Daniel P. ("Pat") O'Connell, Princeton, NJ, president of the financial advisory firm, Evergreen Capital Advisors, Inc., where he specializes in assisting local governments and corporations in raising capital, particularly for land preservation.  Mr. O’Connell has set up two of the most well-known, and well-financed PDR programs in the country – Virginia Beach, VA, and Howard County, MD. 

 

Other presenters include: 

·        Mary Heinricht, Ag Prospects:  “Get Started:  Why Investing in Local PDR Programs Makes Financial Sense;” 

·        Patrick Barker, Executive Director of the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission and Robert Kinsley, Director of Planning of Shenandoah County: “Fiscal Impact Models in the Valley:  Where Do Counties invest their Money Long Term with new Residential and Industrial Development?  A Look at Frederick and Shenandoah Counties’ Fiscal Impact Models;”

·        John Hutchinson, Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation:  “Finding Local Dollars and Leveraging Federal Opportunities to Fund Local PDR Programs;” and,

·        Howard Estes, Jr., Virginia Resources Authority (VRA):  “How To Potentially Use VRA’s Pooled Financing Program or their Revolving Loan Funds to Help Fund Local PDR Programs.”

 

The presenters will also be available for questions and answers. A box lunch will be provided to all who RSVP for lunch by April 14.  RSVP to either:  kathy.holm@va.usda.gov or call (540) 248-3321; or nan@valleyconservation.org or call (540) 886-3541.

 

The Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the Shenandoah Valley’s environmental and economic vitality.  The Council, led by grass-roots volunteers, receive technical assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service to support its efforts.

 

The Valley Conservation Council is a land trust serving the Shenandoah Valley region, providing advice and technical assistance on land protection options for landowners.

 

For more information about the sponsoring organizations contact:  Joan Comanor, Shenandoah RC&D Council Chairwoman, (540) 459-5209; John Eckman, VCC Executive Director, (540) 886-3541; or Kathy Holm, RC&D Coordinator, (540) 248-3321.