The House-Passed Funding Would Help Bring the Park’s Facilities, Sidewalks, Playgrounds, & More Up to ADA Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would provide $750,000 for Powhatan County to bring Fighting Creek Park and its surrounding areas up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Fighting Creek Park offers many recreational opportunities, but access is noticeably restricted for members of the public with disabilities or impairments. This investment — which Spanberger successfully secured as part of a House-passed fiscal year (FY)2023 appropriations package — would help upgrade existing parks, playgrounds, fields, bleachers, sidewalks, parking lots, restrooms, and concession facilities to current ADA standards.

“Powhatan County has consistently been recognized for its beautiful outdoor spaces and its ample access to recreation. That’s why I’m grateful for the Powhatan County officials who recognized how they can make these opportunities more accessible to even more Virginians,” said Spanberger. “This funding will take real steps to make sure every Powhatan individual and family can get outside, enjoy Virginia’s nature, and maintain active and healthy lifestyles. Once again, I want to thank Powhatan County for its demonstrated commitment to the quality of life of its residents, who will enjoy these facilities long into the future.”

“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 worked directly with Powhatan County leaders to make sure the project was included in this federal funding legislation. According to Powhatan County officials, Fighting Creek Park’s current facilities do not provide the same level of recreational access and opportunities for members of the public with disabilities or impairments. The funding passed in the U.S. House today would close this gap and make sure more Powhatan residents can enjoy the same access to outdoor activities in this area.

Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law Spanberger-secured funding to support a new trail connecting Powhatan Middle School and Powhatan Elementary School with key points in Powhatan — including Fighting Creek Park and the county’s existing three-mile trail network.

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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