Funding For New Lee District Center Sought In State Budget

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — The upcoming Lee District Community Center in Hybla Valley could get funding under a state budget amendment.

Del. Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax) sought a budget amendment in the HB 30 Budget Bill, which sets the Virginia state budget for the next two fiscal years. The budget amendment would provide $400,000 in fiscal year 2023 for the workforce development center part of the Lee District Community Center. This funding would support the purchase of equipment and other infrastructure for the workforce development center. Fairfax County has already invested around $4.2 million in the community center opening.

The budget amendment was approved by the House Appropriations Committee, Krizek and Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said in a news release. HB 30 is expected to get a House vote Thursday before a budget conference committee with the Virginia Senate. Once the reconciled version of the budget is decided between the House and Senate, the budget will go to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

"I am thankful for the hard work of Delegate Krizek and his staff," said Lusk. "This Workforce Development center will be a vital part of our efforts to end generational poverty on Richmond Highway, and this additional funding helps make that vision a reality."

The community center will be located at the former Mount Vernon Athletic Club at 7950 and 7960 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria, a facility purchased by Fairfax County in 2020. The multi-service center is sought to serve the Richmond Highway area with a focus on the west side around Buckman Road. The center is expected to provide recreation, childcare, youth programs, workforce training and development, and other resources.

The workforce development component was sought in a board matter by Lusk in 2020. The center will provide classroom and workshop space to train residents in trades and technology jobs. With partnerships with companies such as Amazon and Inova Health System, the trainings will be linked to future employment opportunities available in two years and beyond.

"Melwood and Building Momentum will administer the workforce development program at the center," said Krizek in a statement. "Incidentally, Building Momentum was just named the best veteran owned business in America by the US Chamber of Commerce. This important mission is the reason I worked so hard to get this amendment into the House budget."

The first phase of renovations is expected to be completed in spring 2022, and the second phase will happen at an undetermined future time. The center will be operated by Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.