Intergovernmental Relations
March 31, 2022
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — With the recent passage and signing of the FY2022 omnibus appropriations package, Congressional representatives Donald McEachin (4th District) and Abigail Spanberger (7th District) have helped secure more than $2 million for the Ettrick Train Station revitalization and Otterdale Road drainage improvement projects, respectively.
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. This process was created to ensure that Members of Congress, in concert with the communities they represent, could submit direct applications for federal funding to support locally planned projects.
To be eligible, projects had to be sponsored by local or state government entities or non-profit organizations and otherwise meeting 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 had to demonstrate significant local support for the projects.
The Ettrick Train Station serves a vital function in Chesterfield’s Comprehensive Plan as part of the Ettrick-Virginia State University Special Area Plan. Reconstruction and revitalization, as well as the realignment of Bessie Lane, will improve safety and access while encouraging increased use of the station by multimodal means of transportation. Because the upgrades will happen within one mile of properties where mixed-use development is or will occur, the project also supports economic development.
On Otterdale Road, flooding has routinely been an issue for many years. These events pose risks to life and safety by trapping residents in their homes, impeding the flow of traffic, and putting undue stress on the road infrastructure. Making improvements to Otterdale Road will benefit both the residents in the vicinity as well as the more than 2,220 motorists who use the road each day.
“We are appreciative anytime Congress agrees to help Chesterfield address mounting transportation needs,” said Christopher Winslow, Chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors (Clover Hill District). “These funds will assist Chesterfield in bringing positive and long-awaited changes along Otterdale Road and provide a boost to an important revitalization project in the Ettrick community, which is an important gateway to Chesterfield.”