The House-Passed Funding Would Help Complete the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension & Make Major Improvements at GRTC Transit Stops in Henrico County

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would provide $6,275,000 for Henrico County to move forward with two key infrastructure and transportation projects — including the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension and new bus shelters at Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) stops in the County.

The legislation — which Spanberger successfully secured as part of a House-passed fiscal year (FY)2023 appropriations package — would provide $5,000,000 for Henrico County’s completion of the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension. This investment would allow for the creation of 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.

Additionally, Spanberger secured $1,275,000 for Henrico County to construct bus shelters and benches at GRTC transit stops throughout the County. Thefour 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 is seeing increased traffic, greater demand for public services, and a growing number of visitors to the area. In response, we need to make sure physical infrastructure investments are made in a smart and responsible way to both alleviate congestion and promote further economic development — including at Glover Park for expected sports tourism,” said Spanberger. “Additionally, we need to recognize how we can make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for current residents. These investments — totaling more than $6.2 million — make wise use of federal funds to invest directly in longstanding infrastructure needs in Henrico County. I want to thank the County’s officials for their commitment to the people of Henrico and for working directly with my office to move these projects forward.”

“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.”

“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 worked directly with Henrico County leaders to make sure the project was included in this federal funding legislation. The FY2023 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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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