Jul 26, 2024
Local Issues
ICYMI: U.S. House Approves Funding Spanberger Secured for Six Key Virginia Economic Projects, Totaling More than $17.5 Million
The Congresswoman’s Wins for Virginia’s Seventh District include Major Investments in the Region’s Physical Infrastructure, Transportation Networks, & Water Projects Important for the Future Growth of the Commonwealth’s Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to approve funding for six Virginia projects that Spanberger successfully secured as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY)2023 appropriations bill. The investments in these community-focused projects total more than $17.5 million for longstanding infrastructure needs in Virginia’s Seventh District.
Spanberger worked directly with local officials in Virginia to solicit these requests, move these projects forward, and make sure they were included in this federal funding legislation. These investments would help respond to recent economic growth, fill gaps in existing physical infrastructure, and improve public safety.
“My job in the U.S. House is to be responsive and accountable to the needs of Virginia’s Seventh District. This House-passed package includes several investments that local leaders in Virginia requested through conversations with my office — and I am proud to see them move forward,” said Spanberger. “By making responsible investments directly in our communities — rather than wait for the federal government to distribute grants after lengthy application processes, we can more quickly respond to the physical infrastructure, transportation, and commerce needs in our region. I want to thank the local leaders in the Seventh District who recognized the importance of smart investments, advocated for the people they serve, and committed to making Virginia an even better place to live, start a business, and raise a family.”
This portion of the FY2023 appropriations package now moves to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Spanberger also secured funding for nine additional projects in portions of the appropriations package that have passed out of relevant House committees, but have not yet come up for a vote on the floor of the U.S. House.
A summary of funding for projects in Virginia’s Seventh District that passed in the U.S. House today is below.
Spanberger secured $4,000,000 for Goochland County for the construction of a new roundabout at the Oilville Road-I-64 interchange. This funding would help build a four-way roundabout that would alleviate a major traffic blockage on I-64 that creates a safety threat to both exiting traffic and through traffic on the Interstate.
“Goochland County would like to thank Congresswoman Spanberger for her efforts in supporting our Interstate 64 and Oilville Rd interchange project,” said Victor Carpenter, County Administrator, Goochland County. “We are looking forward to this Appropriations Bill being voted on by the Senate and signed by President Biden. This Bill will allow Goochland County to remedy a significant traffic issue on Interstate 64 and improve safety for our citizens and the entire region for years to come.”
Spanberger secured $5,000,000 for Henrico County’s completion of the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension, which would create a second access point to Glover Park and be directly tied to Interstate 295 and Route 1. In response to increased traffic congestion in this section of Henrico County, this project would ease this congestion and allow visitors to enter and exit more smoothly. Additionally, the road would feature a 10-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path that will connect to a similar path on the extended portion of Woodman Road — and ultimately the Fall Line Trail.
“Henrico County welcomes Congresswoman Spanberger’s support for federal funding to complete the construction of Lambert Way,” said Daniel J. Schmitt, Henrico County Supervisor, Brookland District. “This half-mile road and accompanying bike/pedestrian path will provide a key connection between a new extension of Woodman Road and Glover Park, which attracted more than 400,000 visitors last year. Lambert Way and its features promoting both recreation and pedestrian safety are appropriate ways to honor the life and work of Henrico Police Capt. Donald L. Lambert, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash while running in February 2021.”
Spanberger also secured $1,275,000 for Henrico County to construct bus shelters and benches at Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) transit stops throughout the County. The four main transit corridors in Henrico County are served by more than 200 bus stops — many of which do not have shelters, benches, or ADA-compliant accessibility due to a lack of sidewalks and ramps. This investment would go directly towards the installation of shelters for approximately 31 transit stops in the County and benches for approximately 50 transit stops — as well as installation of concrete pads, ADA access, and trash receptacles.
“Henrico County has increased significantly its investment in public transit in recent years and continues to work with GRTC and other partners to provide regional service that connects residents with jobs and services,” said John A. Vithoulkas, County Manager, Henrico County. “We recognize that providing a great rider experience, with conveniently located bus shelters, benches and other amenities, is critical to our system’s growth and success. We thank Representative Spanberger for her support for this federal funding and believe it will further enhance Henrico’s high quality of life and economic vitality.”
Spanberger secured $750,000 for Powhatan County to bring Fighting Creek Park and its surrounding areas up to ADA standards. The Park offers many recreational opportunities, but access is significantly restricted for members of the public with disabilities or impairments. This investment would help upgrade existing parks, playgrounds, fields, bleachers, sidewalks, parking lots, restrooms, and concession facilities to current ADA standards.
“The citizens of Powhatan County have said expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation is a top priority,” said Mike Byerly, Chairman, Powhatan County Board of Supervisors. “The beautiful facilities at Fighting Creek Park, including trails, sports fields, and playground equipment have been an asset enjoyed by many, but with limited equipment and facilities for persons with disabilities, it doesn’t meet the needs for all. This funding will help make the Fighting Creek Park more inclusive and expand access for all of the public to enjoy recreation in Powhatan’s beautiful natural outdoors.”
Spanberger secured $3,452,972 for Phase 2 of Spotsylvania County’s Motts Run Water Treatment Plant expansion to meet growing water demand as the region grows. This investment would further advance the engineering in Phase 1 into the detailed design work and development of technical specifications necessary for the completion of the project. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden signed into law Spanberger’s legislation to provide $1,840,000 for Phase 1 of the Mott’s Run expansion.
“This second round of federal funding for the Motts Run Water Treatment Plant expansion moves the project along to the design and development phase, just ahead of the bidding process,” said Ben Loveday, Assistant County Administrator for Community Operations, Spotsylvania County. “This $3.4 million in additional funding means we are a step closer to the eventual completion of the project, which will double the plant’s current capacity of 12 million gallons-per-day–meeting current and future water demands through 2045 for Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg. The county has experienced a rise in water consumption averaging just over 2% in annual increases for the past 10 years. The Motts Water Treatment Plant expansion project will provide water service stability and reliability for the region as this growth continues into the future.”
Spanberger also secured $3,000,000 to help Spotsylvania County design and construct a new 1-million-gallon water tower to replace an existing 250,000 gallon tank. As the Massaponax and Thornburg areas of Spotsylvania County continue to experience consistent population growth, this project would increase capacity, help serve growing residential and commercial demands, and provide more fire flow duration.
“This $3 million in federal funding covers the entire cost of the design and construction of a new one-million- gallon water tower to replace the existing 250,000 gallon tank, providing needed support for the county’s growth and infrastructure, ” said Loveday. “The increased capacity will not only serve the significant residential and commercial growth underway in the Massaponax (I-95 exit 126) and Thornburg (I-95 exit 118) areas of the county, but the larger tank size also reinforces our fire service operations by providing additional flow duration in the event that it is needed during fire-fighting efforts.”
BACKGROUND
For FY2023, the U.S. House of Representatives allowed for specific Community Project Funding requests — as it did in FY2022. Spanberger worked directly with community leaders in all 10 counties of the Seventh District to gather community-focused requests for her submissions. Click here for the full list of her submissions.
The Community Project Funding process was created to ensure that Members of Congress — in concert with the communities they represent — may submit direct applications for federal funding to support locally planned projects as part of the yearly appropriations process.
To be eligible, projects must be sponsored by local or state government entities or non-profit organizations and must be projects that would otherwise meet the qualifications to apply for federal grant funding. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to ensure direct, local engagement as part of the federal appropriations process. In line with this goal, funding applications needed to demonstrate significant local support for the projects.
Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law funding for 10 Virginia projects that Spanberger successfully secured as part of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate-passed FY2022 appropriations bill.
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