Alexandria Police Technology, Flood Mitigation In Federal Funding Requests

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Flood mitigation, crime prevention and maintenance of an affordable housing building are some areas that could get a boost if approved in the federal budget.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Alexandria), who represents Alexandria in the 8th congressional district, made 15 community project funding requests to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the next federal appropriations package. Members of Congress may include up to 15 community project funding requests in each annual budget.

Requests may only come from governments, public institutions and nonprofits. Five of Beyer's requests were for the City of Alexandria, and the remainder are for Arlington County, City of Falls Church, Fairfax County and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.

"Among the requests I submitted are also projects to improve stormwater management and infrastructure, support youth engagement and workforce development efforts, enhance safety along pedestrian walkaways, and rehabilitate existing public park facilities," said Beyer in a statement. "All of these projects stand to significantly benefit the residents of Virginia's 8th District, and I will continue to advocate for these critical investments as the House moves forward with the appropriations process."

Funding of community projects is not guaranteed, and timing depends on when Congress passes the federal budget. Members of Congress must certify that they and their family have no financial interest in projects they are requesting funding for.

Funding requests in Alexandria include:

Bellefonte Avenue Storm Drain Improvements: $1.565 million

Funding would support installing new drainage infrastructure along East Howell Avenue and East Bellefonte Avenue. The project is part of the Flood Action Alexandria program with short and long-term flood mitigation efforts.

Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System: $1.5 million

The funding would support a back-up energy system for the City of Alexandria’s emergency shelter. That would allow the emergency shelter site to “island” from the broader electricity grid for up to 72 hours during severe weather conditions.

Violence and Crime Prevention Technology within the City of Alexandria: $670,000

The funding would support improved technology and data management for the Alexandria Police Department, including in-car cameras and an operating system to manage the technology.

Radio System Interoperability Upgrade: $670,000

This funding would be used to purchase newer model radios for the Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff's Office to maintain compatability with neighboring jurisdictions and federal partners. This includes communications from the Alexandria Police Department’s Civil Defense Unit, which often works with U.S. Capitol Police and other federal partners during major events.

The Square at 511 – Preservation: $1.5 million

The funding would help extend the life of The Square at 511 building, an affordable housing community in the Arlandria neighborhood. Planned work includes modernizing three elevators, replacing windows and updating the plumbing system.