Federal government funds several transportation projects in Virginia

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed in 2021 has opened the door to federal investment in thousands of transportation projects across the United States. 

This week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation announced $300 million in 18 grant awards to modernize ferry systems across the nation. That includes one in Virginia.

“The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will receive funding to modernize the passenger ferry slips at its Jamestown Scotland Ferry Facility to maintain passenger safety and ensure a state of good repair,” reads the grant announcement. 

The Jamestown to Scotland ferry connects James City County with Surry County and takes about 20 minutes to cross the James River. The fare for the ferry is free and you can learn more information on the Virginia Department of Transportation website. The service carries about 900,000 passengers a year. The grant award is for $5,048,650. 

The Federal Transit Administration oversees the ferry system and reviewed 43 eligible projects. 

Last week the Biden-Harris administration released $802 million in grants to repair bridges and roads that have been damaged by extreme weather events. 

“The effects of climate change are dramatically impacting the lives of so many communities across our country,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White in a press release. “Since December 2021, FHWA has distributed nearly $4.2 billion in Emergency Relief funding, which helps states repair and recover from climate events and natural disasters. 

Virginia received $6.3 million for two incidents with the bulk of that going to make repairs in the George Washington National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest for flooding from May 21, 2020 as well as $26,930 for damage from heavy rains from April 12, 2020. Take a look at the FHWA website to see what else got funded across the United States. 

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