This Funding will Support the Construction of an Education Connection Trail, which will Connect Powhatan Middle School & Powhatan Elementary School to Key Points in Powhatan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden today signed into law U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation to provide $150,173 for the construction of a new walking and running trail in Powhatan County.

The funding for a new “Education Connection Trail” — which Spanberger successfully secured as part of a House and Senate-passed fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations package — will support a new trail connecting Powhatan Middle School and Powhatan Elementary School with key points in Powhatan, including the public library, YMCA, Fighting Creek Park, and the County’s existing three-mile trail network. This new trail will provide walkable connections to important amenities, increase access and mobility for Powhatan residents, and create new opportunities for fitness and recreation.

“Virginia has a long history of making our communities healthier and more resilient. Particularly as we rebuild from the pandemic, we should be seeking smart ways to invest in recreational opportunities. After hearing directly from Powhatan leaders, I am proud to have successfully delivered funding for the Education Connection Trail,” said Spanberger. “I would like to thank the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors for their commitment to their community and their recognition of the importance of accessible outdoors spaces, fitness opportunities, and safety for Powhatan students. I am proud to see President Biden sign this legislation into law, and I am glad this funding is heading to Powhatan.”

“Powhatan is so thankful to have been awarded a grant for the Educational Connection Trail project. This Trail will connect the YMCA, Fighting Creek Park and Powhatan Library to Powhatan Elementary and Middle School. We have another great resource to experience the beauty and nature of Powhatan for all citizens,” said Mike Byerly, Chairman, Powhatan County Board of Supervisors. “Congresswoman Spanberger was instrumental in bringing this funding opportunity to our attention and advocating to ensure this important community project was fully funded in the bill. This trail will be one more outdoor asset for Powhatan, linking our scenic rural areas with our top-quality school system.”

According to local officials, the proposed trail will also build on the Powhatan County’s positive perception as a family-friendly place to live — with a corresponding future impact on economic development and job growth in the area.

BACKGROUND

This year, the U.S. House of Representatives implemented a new effort as part of its annual appropriations process, which allowed for specific Community Project Funding requests — like the Education Connection Trail in Powhatan County. 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 a 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 must demonstrate significant local support for the projects. 

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