WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would provide $122,590 for the revitalization of Booster Park in Orange.   

The thousands of dollars in funding for improvements to Booster Park — which Spanberger successfully secured as part of a House-passed fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations package — would be used for repairs to the field, practice facility, and concession stand. Spanberger worked directly with Orange County officials to move this funding request forward.

“Here in the Commonwealth, one of the most important investments we can make is in the next generation of Virginians, as well as their families. In Orange County, Booster Park is a vital community center for recreation, sports, and gatherings. However, I have heard directly from local officials about ongoing structural and facility needs at the Park,” said Spanberger. “That’s why I am proud to lead this effort to secure new funding for improvements to Booster Park. I am glad to see the House pass this legislation today, and I would like to thank Orange County officials for their commitment to making their community a stronger place to live. Going forward, I will keep working to move this new funding through Congress, and I look forward to finding new ways to support Virginia’s children, families, and communities.”

“The Orange County Board of Supervisors supports the revitalization of Booster Park, the only publicly owned sports complex and multifunctional recreation space in our community. Over half of our local middle and high school students played a sport at the twenty-four acre park in the last year. Numerous youth organizations, nonprofits, food pantries, businesses, civic groups, and families use the park for all kinds of events, from community wide celebrations to career fairs. Field upgrades, fencing, and kitchen updates are needed to ensure all available amenities are fully utilized,” said James P. Crozier, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Booster Park is an essential cultural and social asset in Orange County whether you are a parent, fitness enthusiast, business owner, or nonprofit.  We look forward to completing this revitalization project to ensure the park’s availability for generations to come.”

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 Booster Park revitalization project in Orange. 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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