If Alexandria wants the transit corridors it dreams of, Planning Commission Chair Nathan Macek said it’s going to need to do more to secure federal funding.
In a budget discussion at the Planning Commission meeting last week, Macek noted that there is “no plan to pursue federal money” for two of the major transit corridors in the city budget.
Transitway corridors are areas where the city is hoping to implement “enhanced transit services” like bus rapid transit, a streetcar, dedicated bus lanes and more. Corridor B is the Duke Street / Eisenhower Avenue corridor. Corridor C is the Van Dorn Street / Beauregard Street corridor.
Macek said in the meeting that the funding set aside for transit development on those corridors is all local and regional funding.
“I will make, at every call, every opportunity I have, the call that we should be pursuing federal money for these projects,” Macek said.
Macek said he has concerns that the city is missing out on a chance to make those transit on those corridors better.
“My concern with the way we’re deploying BRT is we’re so content to make it happen with local and regional, and we’re not pursuing federal money that could help make this a real, functional, better bus rapid transit,” Macek said. “Totally missing that opportunity to pursue federal funds that could help us address the issues we have in these corridors.”
Staff told Macek at the meeting that one of the limits of the budget is it doesn’t show what avenues are being pursued, just what’s secure in the budget. Staff said efforts are underway to lock down federal funding for transit corridors.
Macek noted the Van Dorn Street Corridor in particular, which is seeing an upswing in new projects like the Vulcan property development, could benefit from federal funding for transit needs and possible widening.
“When we’re only working with local and regional money, we necessarily limit the scope of what we can accomplish because of that,” Macek said.
Photo via Google Maps
Recent Stories
The former general manager of Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling $680,000 from the restaurant. Claude Ibrahim, 53, was…
First National Bank held a ribbon cutting and grand opening late last week for its new location on King Street. The bank is located at 704 King Street in Old…
Good Monday morning, Alexandria! ☀️ Today’s weather: Expect sunny skies during the day with temperatures reaching a high near 92 degrees alongside a southwest wind blowing at 5 to 7…
Police continue to investigate two suspicious deaths in Alexandria this week — one in the Braddock neighborhood and another at Four Mile Run. Telemundo reported the victim found in Four…
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life with our professional psychotherapy services.
At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness.
Through personalized therapy sessions, we create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you’re dealing with past traumas, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.
For many remote workers, a messy home is distracting.
You’re getting pulled into meetings, and your unread emails keep ticking up. But you can’t focus because pet hair tumbleweeds keep floating across the floor, your desk has a fine layer of dust and you keep your video off in meetings so no one sees the chaos behind you.
It’s no secret a dirty home is distracting and even adds stress to your life. And who has the energy to clean after work? That’s why it’s smart to enlist the help of professionals, like Well-Paid Maids.
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction
Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who
