McClellan Delivers $1.5 Million in Community Project Funding to VPRA and RIC

Richmond, VA – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) delivered $1,500,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) checks to Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Richmond International Airport (RIC) for transportation infrastructure upgrades to their facilities. 

In Chesterfield County, McClellan delivered $1,000,000 to VPRA to support its Ettrick Train Station Improvements Project to begin the design and construction process of a new rail station that will replace the structurally deficient Ettrick Station. The station currently serves approximately 30,000 passengers, and ridership is expected to increase with the development of the Richmond to Raleigh corridor. 

“Ettrick Train Station serves as an important transit hub in the Tri-Cities region in our district, accommodating tens of thousands of passengers every year, including students at Virginia State University, commuters traveling to and from work, and tourists and long-haul passengers,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “However, decades of underinvestment has left the station outdated and in need of repairs. This federal funding will help support the planning and construction of a new state-of-the-art rail station that can meet current and future needs. I’m excited to build on the progress of my predecessor, the late A. Donald McEachin, and Senator Kaine, who also advocated for federal funding for Ettrick. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, as we work to strengthen and modernize our public transit systems.”

“The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was created with a vision of what passenger rail can be in the Commonwealth,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Congresswoman McClellan shares that vision, and we are appreciative of her commitment to providing Virginians with rail service and stations that meet the needs of the communities we serve.”     

In Henrico, McClellan delivered $500,000 to RIC to support its Aircraft Apron Project to construct a new aircraft apron, East Side Apron 5, that will allow for the relocation and consolidation of two general aviation operations areas on the airfield. This project will support the FAA-approved Master Plan and allow for future expansion of cargo facilities and construction of a second parallel runway on the airfield. 

“Richmond International Airport reported record passenger traffic last year and helps drive economic development and activity in Central Virginia,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As the Richmond Metro Area continues to grow, Richmond International will be integral to sustained development in the region. This federal funding will help Richmond International as it works to execute its Master Plan to ensure the airport has the necessary facilities and capacity to meet our needs.” 

“Richmond International Airport notes three key items Rep. McClellan has championed early in her time in Congress: Community Project Funding to help support redevelopment of the airport’s east side, our application for USDOT Small Community Air Service Development grant funding to bolster our prospects for service to the Pacific Northwest, and reimbursement for work done on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration many years ago,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO. “We are truly fortunate having such supportive representation in Washington, DC.”  

“It’s great to have Congresswoman McClellan in Washington representing this region and assisting with legislation that positively impacts RIC in such a meaningful way,” said Charles S. Macfarlane, vice chair of the Capital Region Airport Commission. “Her ongoing support for this important transportation asset while working with federal agencies and Congress on our behalf is so very much appreciated.”

“We get so much done when we work together! We thank Congresswoman McClellan for her support for the $500,000 FAA Community Project Funding grant to help start the transformation of the airport’s east side, a project also supported by Senators Warner and Kaine,” said Capital Region Airport Commission chair James M. Holland. “This project supports our general aviation community and contributes to economic development efforts for the entire Richmond region. Again, we thank her for helping to make this next step a reality.”

During the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), McClellan successfully secured over $15 million for all 15 projects she submitted on behalf of localities in Virginia’s Fourth. 

View photos from the events here.