WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would 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-passed fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations package — would 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 would provide walkable connections to important amenities, increase access and mobility for Powhatan residents, and create new opportunities for fitness and recreation.

“As we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and look to make our communities healthier and more resilient, we should be seeking smart and responsible places to invest in recreational opportunities. After hearing directly from Powhatan leaders, I am proud to have successfully secured funding for the Education Connection Trail in this appropriations package,” said Spanberger. “Today, 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 making travel easier and safer for Powhatan students. I will keep working to move this funding through Congress, and I look forward to finding additional, innovative ways to make sure more Virginians can enjoy our region’s trail systems and parks.”

“The Education Connection Trail project will help link several of Powhatan’s greatest assets, notably our outdoor spaces and our school system,” said Karin Carmack, Chair, Powhatan County Board of Supervisors. “With this project, Fighting Creek Park, including its trails and playgrounds, as well as the YMCA and Powhatan Library will be connected to Powhatan Elementary and Middle Schools. The citizens of Powhatan County have said outdoor recreation, and trails specifically, are a top priority, so we welcome this investment in our community to help further expand the public’s access to our natural outdoors.”

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 impact on economic development and job growth in the area.

The FY2022 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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 ten 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. 

Spanberger has consistently worked to secure funding for Central Virginia projects that would create new jobs, make infrastructure improvements, and strengthen the local economy. Recently, she joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House in voting to pass the INVEST in America Act, which includes more than $22.7 million in federal resources for Central Virginia transportation and infrastructure projects that Spanberger successfully secured in the legislation.

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