8NEWS, JAKOB CORDES, TYLER THRASHER

Funding for projects in Henrico and Chesterfield totaling $2 million dollars are included in a federal budget passed by the House of Representatives, according to Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-Henrico).

The funding includes $1 million dollars for an in-patient detox facility in Henrico and an additional $1 million for improvements to Otterdale road in Chesterfield, which has been the site of frequent flooding.

The funding was added at the request of Spanberger, who tied the projects to the region’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we rebuild from the pandemic, we need to prioritize smart, locally driven investments,” she said.

Below are the letters submitted by Spanberger to the House Committee on Appropriations, which detail the proposed funding.

Regarding the new detox center in Henrico, the $1 million will be put toward the existing $12 million budget set by the county.

County leaders said the construction is planned to start by the end of 2021 with a timeline of 12-18 months.

Rep. Spanberger said the construction of the facility is important because it allows people in need of detox to not have to go to jails to do so — and give them a source of community and support groups.

“This was Henrico’s answer to rectify what is clearly not working right now. They devised a plan for this detox and recovery center,” she said. “In the time of COVID, we have seen overdoses increase so tremendously. We have seen a loss of life. We have seen those who have struggled to maintain the recovery really face major hurdles. Henrico County is so engaged and really trying.”