For Immediate Release

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Arlington to Benefit from $19.3 Million of Stimulus Funding

Support expanded for transit, environmental, and safety net programs

Arlington, VA --- Arlington County has been notified of $19.3 million of federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that will benefit projects in Arlington. The amount includes funding for infrastructure, transportation, environmental sustainability, law enforcement and Arlington’s social safety net.

Of the $19.3 million, $9.0 million will come to Arlington from federal formula-based funding to support Arlington programs. Arlington will also benefit from $10.3 million going to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for a long overdue interchange project in Arlington.

“These are exactly the types of programs the President had in mind for the stimulus package,” said Arlington County Board Chairman Barbara A. Favola. “We’re pleased that the priorities highlighted in the package have been high priority projects here in Arlington County for many years.”

Arlington’s ARRA efforts

Arlington will receive $9 million in federal formula-based funding

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, providing more than $575 billion of new federal spending. Arlington County is undertaking an aggressive effor to seek available stimulus funding.

To date, Arlington has been informed of its eligibility for approximately $9 million in federal formula-based funding (see pie chart), and the County will be completing the necessary applications and assorted paperwork in order to access these funds in the coming months. These include:

• $5.0 million in transportation funding, subject to Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approval May 21. This funding will be used to support efforts along Columbia Pike, purchase of new ART buses, and fiber optic cable for transportation system management. (Application approved by County Board in April 2009.)
• $2.1 million from the Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) to support the County’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts through its Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) program. (Application will come before County Board June 2009.)
• In a March 6 letter from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Arlington was informed of its eligibility for $1.6 million of support to social safety net programs through the Homelessness Prevention Fund, Community Services Block Grant Program and the Community Development Block Grant Program. (Application approved by County Board today.)
• $37,773 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Senior Meals Program, to provide congregate and home-delivered meals to low-income seniors. (Application approved by County Board today.)
• $288,679 through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program for law enforcement equipment purchases. (Application approved by County Board April 2009.)

Courthouse Road Interchange Project funded

Additionally, funding has been recommended by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), subject to Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approval, for one of Arlington County’s top stimulus priorities – the Arlington Boulevard at Courthouse Road Bridge and Interchange Project. Watch a video of the project.

During last year’s state budget cuts, VDOT removed $10.3 million from this project, which had previously been fully funded. After this action by the state, Arlington County has consistently identified the restoration of funding for this project using stimulus dollars as a top priority. 

This long overdue interchange project is scheduled to go to construction this fall and will not only provide a long-term transportation solution to enhance safety and reduce traffic congestion at this dangerous interchange, but will also provide a boost to the local economy.

Focus on strategic priorities

In addition to these formula-based funds, Arlington is aggressively pursuing discretionary (competitive) grant funding opportunities to support County programs in the areas of transportation, water quality, environmental protection and public safety.  Arlington will be submitting applications for these grant programs in the coming months.

“It is our hope that ARRA funding can help us accelerate implementation of our more critical infrastructure projects, as well as enhance our support for our community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Ms. Favola. “We are moving full speed ahead in our efforts to secure additional funding.”

In today’s meeting, the County Board approved $1.6 million of applications for formula-based funding to support safety net programs. The Board also authorized two competitive grant applications worth an additional $7.1 million – one for relining water pipes and one for transit investments. Read Board reports for today’s County Board meeting; see item number 23.

Beyond these applications, to date, Arlington’s ARRA team has identified an additional $8.1 million in competitive funding and is pursuing those opportunities.

For more information on Arlington’s ARRA efforts and to track progress on these applications, visit the County’s website, search “ARRA.”  On the ARRA pages, you can view updated information, including a summary spreadsheet of projects proposed for ARRA funding.

Helping small businesses seek stimulus funding

Arlington’s BizLaunch program is also helping small businesses apply for stimulus funding. It is hosting a conference on May 21 – “Opportunities in Crisis: Building Your Business in Challenging Times.” Attendees will receive overviews directly from the federal, state and local agencies that are helping to manage stimulus programs and dollars. Experts will explain the ins and outs of the plan itself, plus specific opportunities available to small businesses. The cost is $25. 

Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.