Article Text
Fairfax County will receive approximately $7.7 million in federal funding for six projects, led by a sweeping Springfield traffic safety initiative targeting locations with high crash rates.
The $3.15 million transportation allocation will support pedestrian, bicycle and other safety improvements at six Springfield locations:
- Hanover Avenue at Monticello Boulevard
- 7246 Commerce Street
- Commerce Street at the Richard Byrd Library
- Backlick Road and Bland Street
- Backlick Road and Springfield Boulevard
- Commerce Street from Amherst Avenue to Old Keene Mill Road
Possible upgrades include pedestrian refuge islands, separated bicycle lanes, new sidewalks and signalized crossings, Fairfax County Department of Transportation spokesperson Benjamin Boxer said.
FCDOT will work with local officials, the Virginia Department of Transportation and nearby communities to determine which measures should be installed at each location.
The broader initiative is currently expected to cost about $5 million, although that estimate could change as planning and community consultations proceed.
Six projects receive federal support
Nearly $1.1 million will go to the Upper Occoquan Service Authority for infrastructure improvements at Fairfax County’s septic waste receiving facility.
The Fairfax County Police Department will receive just over $1 million to upgrade the technology and operational capabilities of its Real Time Crime Center. The improvements are intended to help the department respond to and prevent criminal activity and emerging threats.
George Mason University will receive approximately $1.03 million to develop domestic-violence training tools for law enforcement officers, social workers and other frontline professionals. The project will incorporate technology including virtual-reality simulations.
Another $850,000 will support construction of a regional crisis facility for young people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Bailey’s Crossroads Health Access Partnership Inc. will receive $550,000 toward construction of a new medical clinic in Fairfax County, expanding its capacity to serve patients.
Virginia awarded more than $93 million
The larger spending package directs more than $93 million to projects across Virginia. Other allocations include $10 million for efforts to reduce traffic congestion near Virginia Beach and $6.3 million for safety and visitor improvements at McAfee Knob near Roanoke.
Sen. Tim Kaine said the investments would expand health care access and fund critical infrastructure improvements. Sen. Mark Warner called the legislation imperfect but said it advanced priorities including support for Ukraine, lower health care and prescription drug costs, medical research and public housing.
Both Virginia senators supported the legislation, which passed the Senate 71-29 on Jan. 30. It later narrowly cleared the House and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Feb. 3.