Last month, on December 23, President Biden signed the omnibus spending bill that finances federal agencies through next September. Within the compilation of appropriations bills for the government, Virginia’s two senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, were able to include specific funding to strengthen transportation and recreation infrastructure in Fairfax County and northern Virginia.
Sunrise Valley Drive Cycle Track. Our senators successfully secured $4,000,000 for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to construct a cycle track from Sunrise Valley Drive to the Innovation Metro station. This project will provide significantly improved access to several Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail Stations and high-density transit-oriented development near the Metrorail Stations and activity centers.
I-66 Trail. They also earmarked $1,000,000 for bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the I-66 Trail/Vienna Metrorail Station. With more than 11 miles of connectivity, this project will improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists to the Vienna Metrorail Station and Oakton High School. This project represents a link in the National Capital Trail Network and is in the heart of a regional activity center and in an equity emphasis area.
Larger Region. The two legislators also ensured that the bill provides $150 million for WMATA along with $45 million for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which will support multi-purpose trails across Virginia. Other earmarks provide biking/pedestrian infrastructure in nearby Loudon and Prince William counties.
FABB will continue to advocate for Fairfax County government to access its fair share of the WMATA improvements with an emphasis on bike parking and accessibility at Metro stations and to apply for Active Transportation Infrastructure grants to construct needed projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities.
Want to help advocate for more transportation and recreation bicycle infrastructure? Contact us at [email protected].
