Tri-Cities to receive over $15 million in federal funding to improve roads, broadband access, and more
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tri-Cities is expected to see an infusion of cash towards several projects as the U.S. Senate passed several funding bills last week.
Over $15 million of federal funding will be going to the region to support various projects, secured by Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. These projects range from upgrading Petersburg's emergency communications system, to road improvements in Hopewell and Prince George, to improving broadband access for students at Virginia State University and the surrounding areas, and more.
Last year, the Senate restarted a process that allows members of Congress to work with the communities they represent to request funding for local community projects. This process allowed Congress to dedicate federal funding for specific projects, paving the way for organizations and cities to receive federal funding.
The bills are expected to be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives shortly before being signed by President Joe Biden.
“This bill funds critical national priorities, including health care, education, scientific research and veterans services. It builds on the important progress Congress has made this year to lower costs, fight gun violence, and create good-paying jobs here in the U.S.," said Sen. Warner, D-Va.
"As I traveled Virginia this year, I saw up close how funds for local community projects are making a huge difference, from making our communities safer and closing disparities in access to health care and education, to improving roads and public transportation. I look forward to seeing the ways this budget helps Virginia build on that progress," said Sen. Kaine, D-Va.
The projects that will receive funding are as follows:
$4,000,000 for pedestrian improvements to Courthouse Road in Hopewell. This project, which will be completed by the Virginia Department of Transportation, will consist of building 5-foot wide sidewalks, curb and gutter, underground storm drainage, and new ADA compliant bus shelters to provide pedestrian facilities and improved bus access along Courthouse Road, a highly-trafficked road in a community in which many do not have access to reliable transportation.
$3,540,806 for a roundabout at the intersection of Jefferson Park Road (Rt 630) and Middle Road (Rt. 646) in Prince George County: This transportation safety improvement project consists of constructing a one-lane Roundabout with a by-pass lane for through traffic at the intersection of Jefferson Park Road and Middle Road in Prince George County. This intersection has seen steady traffic and accident increases over the past ten years. With the addition of a new Elementary School under construction near this intersection, traffic is anticipated to greatly increase. This intersection serves travelers from Fort Lee, Hopewell, and Prince George.
$3,203,000 for Petersburg to upgrade its existing 20-year-old Mission Critical Communication system that coordinates emergency services for all first responders in the City and surrounding areas.
$2,200,000 for the Virginia State University broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion project for students on campus and the surrounding communities of Petersburg and Ettrick.
$1,000,000 for Better Housing Coalition, to be used to support the construction of the Colbrook Family Apartments in Chesterfield County, which will create 157 units of affordable housing.
$694,000 for students at Richard Bland College from Petersburg, Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Hopewell Counties. The funding will support the College’s Guided Pathways for Success program that provides services, education and training and job placement support for students from rural areas, underrepresented STEM groups, and students highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
$500,000 for the Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation in Petersburg. The funding will go towards the Petersburg Virginia High Street Apartments to provide permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
$188,000 for the City of Hopewell to replace the functionally obsolete standby generator at City Hall.
Joyce Chu, an award-winning investigative journalist, is the Social Justice Watchdog Reporter for The Progress Index. Contact her with comments, concerns, or story-tips at Jchu1@gannett.com or on Twitter @joyce_speaks.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Tri-Cities to receive $15 million in federal funding for various projects
