The Pentagon has freed up $20 million in previously approved funding for short- and mid-term road improvements at the Mark Center, the future home of 6,400 Defense workers.
U.S. Reps. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), and Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Sen. Mark Warner (R-Va.) requested the funds on behalf of Alexandria in January. The city has struggled to find funding to make road and transit changes to offset the impact of the Army’s relocation, mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure plan.
“Because the Army failed to anticipate, and thus budget for the impact of moving 6,400 people to the intersection of I-395 and Seminary Road, it has become necessary for additional funds to be made available to prevent gridlock at the Mark Center,” Moran said in a statement. “We welcome this funding, but it’s just a start given the major challenges we face.”
With the additional $80 million in funding promised by the Virginia Department of Transportation, a total of $100 million will now be spent on road projects near the Mark Center.
