Coles District Newsletter |
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Dear Neighbor,
You’ll notice the format of this month’s edition of the Coles District Newsletter is a little different from previous editions.
Instead of opening up the newsletter from one PDF with a table of contents, we decided to try something a little different by including links to every article, which you can see below.
This is an exciting week as Prince William County kicks off in-person graduations with limited social distancing measures. It’s been a long sixteen months, but I know we’re all very thankful for things to be getting back to normal and on the other side of this pandemic.
Tomorrow evening there will be a virtual public information meeting on the right-of-way process in regards to the proposed Route 28 Bypass. If you’re concerned about your home potentially being taken through eminent domain you won’t want to miss this meeting. Please click here to register.
The Board will be having regular 2pm and 7:30pm meetings this month on June 15th and June 22nd.
Again, this newsletter is for you so please do share any thoughts you may have on this month’s format versus previous editions.
Wishing you and yours a great month and kick-off to your summer!
For Coles,
Yesli Vega
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County Passes Budget with Largest One Time Tax Increase in County History
On April 27th, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors passed their $1.34 billion FY2022 budget, which included a $62.8 million dollar spending increase over last year and an average increase in residential tax bills of $286 per home. The $286 average increase is the largest increase in residential tax bills in the county’s history.
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$18 Million in Federal Pork Barrel Spending Requested for Prince William/County Manassas
County Executives Send Letter in Support of Woodbridge Fast Ferry
After a decade long ban on congressional earmarks, the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives decided to reintroduce the controversial practice this year under a new name, “community project funding.”
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Prince William County Board Adopts ‘Goal’ to Gradually Increase Tax Rates on Data Center Industry
On May 4th, the Board of County Supervisors adopted a ‘goal’ to gradually increase tax rates on the data center industry in Prince William County.
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May 2021 Capital Improvement Projects Update
On May 18th, county staff gave a presentation to the Board of Supervisors about ongoing Capital Improvement Projects.
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Nearly 20,000 Fewer County Residents Working Than Before COVID
Numbers Compare Labor Force Participation and Unemployment from February 2020 to March 2021
According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), nearly 20,000 fewer Prince William County residents were working through the end of March than in February of 2020.
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Board Unanimously Approves $88 Million for Prince William County Schools from American Rescue Act
Follows Unanimous Approval of $85 Million from CARES Act Funding
On May 18th, the Board unanimously voted to accept, budget, and appropriate $87.9 million to the School Board Operating Fund from American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III Funds awarded by the Virginia Department of Education.
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Supervisor Vega Hosts Community Meeting on Proposed Public Sector Collective Bargaining |
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Supervisor Vega hosted a virtual community meeting on the topic of public sector collective bargaining on Wednesday, May 26th. |
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County Holds Ceremony to Add Major L. Eduardo Caraveo to War Memorial Honoring Fallen County Residents |
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On Friday, May 28th, Prince William County held a private ceremony to officially add the name of Major L. Eduardo Caraveo, formerly of Woodbridge, to the county’s War Memorial located at the McCoart Complex. |
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Supervisor Vega Assists in Getting “Never Forget” Garden Marker Planted at McCoart Complex |
At the request of a Coles District constituent and the Virginia and Prince William Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters, a marker was recently placed at the McCoart Complex to honor and remember those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. |
Supervisor Vega Reads Resolution Honoring Anniversary of V-E Day |
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Today
And Every Day
We Remember You
And
We Honor You
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SGM John McGruder presents a spoken word about the American flag during the May 4, 2021 Board of County Supervisors meeting |
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Board Majority Initiates Zoning Text Amendment to Look Into Expanding Data Center Overlay District
Including Rural Crescent
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On May 18th, along partisan lines, the Board voted 5-3 for a zoning text amendment to begin looking into expanding the Data Center Overlay District to include the Rural Crescent. |
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After Several Years of Work, PWC “Rural Preservation Study” Sent Back for More Work; Purchase of Development Rights Program Passed |
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On May 4th, the Prince William Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to support a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program but sent a proposed Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program and “Conservation Residential” (CR) program back to the drawing board, also in a unanimous vote. |
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Planning Commission To Now Review and Advise on Transportation Projects
Following a directive last year by Supervisor Vega to look into the creation of a Transportation Commission to study and review transportation projects the Prince William County Planning Commission decided to tackle this issue head on and will add bi-monthly transportation work sessions to their scope of work.
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Extra Highlighting of Coles District Historical Sites Proposed Following Outrage over Thoroughfare |
In response to the outrage over the desecration of graves in the Thoroughfare community, Prince William County Government included some potential action steps to proactively preserving more cemeteries, communities, and African-American History in their May 18th presentation to the Board. |
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Scott Cemetery at Historic Thoroughfare
Background and Actions Taken by County
The Scott Cemetery is a private cemetery located south of Highway 55 in the Historic Thoroughfare community. It is believed that African American slaves, freed slaves and Native Americans have been buried on the property since the 1800s.
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How to Obtain A COVID-19 Vaccine |
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There are no longer any restrictions to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine in the Commonwealth. Everyone in Virginia aged 12 or older is now eligible. The removal of these restrictions has greatly simplified the process for obtaining a vaccine. |
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Governor Northam’s Mask Mandate and Restrictions Lifted
On May 28th, the mask mandate and most of the COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by Governor Northam were lifted. This followed guidance from the federal government which recommended that fully-vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or continue to restrict their behavior.
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Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Becomes Available to Adolescents Aged 12 to 15
On May 12th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech would be expanded to include adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old. Previously, the vaccine was only available to those 16 and older.
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Free COVID-19 testing is available for anyone who lives or works in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, or the City of Manassas Park. Participants must provide their full name, telephone number, and a home or work address in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, or the City of Manassas Park to obtain COVID testing and receive the results. |
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Over 67% of Adults Have Received a COVID-19 Vaccine in Virginia
As of May 31st, almost 4.7 million Virginians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 67% of those over 18 in the Commonwealth have been given a COVID-19 vaccine, and almost 59% are now fully vaccinated.
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Prince William County Face Covering Directive Aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and Governor Ralph Northam’s seventh amended Executive Order 72, employees and members of the public who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a face-covering in many county facilities; however, there are several exceptions as noted below.
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- Prince William County Office of Communications |
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Prince William School Board Votes Along Partisan Lines for “Equity Statement”
Vega says School Board Owns Disparities in Racial Outcomes Over Last Year
On May 19th, the Prince William County School Board, along partisan lines, voted for an “Equity Statement” which many residents who showed up to speak labeled as “racist” according to Potomac Local.
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Colgan XC Team Competes in State Championship
Senior Bryce Lentz Gets 1st Place
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After having their season cancelled in fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 shutdowns, Virginia high school cross country runners were given a condensed 2 month season this March and April. |
Resilience & Perseverance
A National Geographic Educator-Explorer Partnership in a Pandemic Year
Colgan High School physics teacher Lori Pawlik, MS Ed. and her class partnered with a National Geographic Explorer to create an ArcGIS story map. Students were able to Zoom with the Explorer Ms. Cuevas Flores from Mexico.
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Prince William County Public Schools Remove Capacity Limits and Mask Requirement for Graduations
In accordance with updated guidelines from those in Richmond, the Prince William County Public School’s graduation ceremonies will no longer have limits on the number of attendees and will no longer mandate mask wearing.
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PWCS announces 2021-22 Learning Plan
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Walts presented the 2021-22 Learning Plan to the School Board on Wednesday, May 5. The reopening plan provides for five days a week of full-time, in-person instruction for all students in all grade levels. Students at all grade levels will have the option to remain virtual.
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- Prince William County Public Schools |
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Four Local Residents Arrested in Murder of Retired Fauquier County Sheriff’s Son
Prince William County Authorities Released One From Jail With Drug Related Wrap Sheet In 2020
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Four local residents have been charged with the murder of a 24 year old Fauquier County man who was interrupting a burglary at his home on April 22nd.
Charles “Trip” Bopp, a dairy farmer and son of a retired Fauquier County Sheriff’s Major, died of an apparent gun shot wound after arriving at his home in Remington around 5:30pm on April 22nd. Bopp was found deceased by authorities on his front lawn.
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UPDATE: Final Suspect Arrested and Charged in April 2nd Murder at Manassas Mall |
On April 29th, the remaining suspect sought in connection to the fatal shooting that occurred outside of the Manassas Mall located on Sudley Rd in the Manassas area of Prince William County on April 2, was arrested. The suspect, Christian Starr HAYNES, turned himself into police without incident. |
- Prince William County Police Department |
Mob Assault In Woodbridge Injures Two, Suspects Wanted: Police |
One man was stabbed when he was attacked by a "mob" on Monday morning, according to the Prince William County Police Department. One suspect was arrested in connection with the stabbing on Monday, but two other suspects are still at large. |
Trial delayed for suspect in random Woodbridge gang murders |
The trial has been delayed for the youngest and final suspect who police say was part of a random 2018 killing of a Woodbridge man by the MS-13 street gang. |
Man charged with assaulting two women walking in Bristow
Police have charged a 20-year-old man after assaults on two women walking in Bristow this month.
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Reported Woodbridge Rape Did Not Occur
On May 12, upon further investigation, detectives with the Special Victims Unit determined the incident surrounding the rape that allegedly occurred in the area of Golansky Blvd. and Noble Pond Way on May 6, was unfounded.
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- Prince William County Police Department |
The Next Recruiting Open House is Scheduled for June 5
Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Do you have questions about how to become a police officer?
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- Prince William County Police Department |
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Police Seek Assistance with Finding Armed Robbery Suspect in Mid-County |
Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are asking for the community’s help identifying the suspect involved in a robbery that occurred near Tayloe Dr. and Gordon Dr. in the Manassas area of Prince William County on May 11. |
- Prince William County Police Department |
Robbers assault 90-year-old woman, steal her car in Woodbridge
Police are searching for four men who assaulted a 90-year-old woman at a Woodbridge gas station Wednesday afternoon, then stole her purse and car.
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Police Seek Suspect Accused of California Chicken Wings Armed Robbery
On May 19 at 8:17PM, officers responded to the California Chicken Wings located at 8124 Sudley Rd. of Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery.
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- Prince William County Police Department |
85 Year Old Dale City Man Charged in Shooting
An 85 year old Dale City man was arrested for shooting another man, 63, at his home following a domestic dispute on May 5th.
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Warrant obtained man jailed in Fla., tied to Triangle man’s murder |
On October 22, 2020, detectives began to investigate the disappearance of a 25-year-old man who was reported missing by his family. |
Torch Run for Special Olympics is June 10
It is time for the annual Torch Run for Special Olympics, and the Police Department would love to have the public join us and cheer on the runners!
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- Prince William County Police Department |
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May 11th Board Work Session Not Televised by Board; Supervisor Vega Livestreams
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Over the objections of the three Republican Supervisors, the May 11th Board work session was moved to a location, the Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department, which does not allow for the meeting to be carried on local access television or through the county’s website. |
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Board Votes to Hire Consultant, Set Criteria for Redistricting
Also Asks Consultant to Draw Lines for Potential New Eighth District
In the early morning hours of May 19th, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted to set the decennial redistricting process into motion with the hiring of a consultant, criteria, and opened the door for a new eighth magisterial district.
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Supervisors Vega and Candland Chat with Appointees to ‘Racial and Social Justice’ Commission |
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On April 29th, Supervisors Vega and Candland held a zoom call to discuss the state of the newly created Racial and Social Justice Commission with their appointees, Mac Haddow and Erica Tredinnick. |
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Public Pools Re-Opening This Summer
Prince William County’s Parks Department is reopening their public pool facilities this summer.
On Saturday, May 29th, Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City opened. Waterworks will only be open on weekends until mid-June.
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Building Crisis Resiliency: ACTS Leads With a Frontline Focus |
- Department of Economic Development |
Promote Your Products and Services on Market Maker! |
Learn how to register your business and create a profile that synchronizes with Buy Fresh Buy Local, Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest listings. |
- Virginia Cooperative Extension |
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Prince William County Accelerated Support for Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Prince William County Department of Economic Development (DED) watched with the rest of the world as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the global economy to a tumultuous standstill. Yet as the team committed to developing the county’s economic future, DED immediately started speeding up support faster than ever before.
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- Prince William County Department of Economic Development |
The Department of Development Services' Small Business Program supports 36 business owners 'Open for Business" in April |
Thirty-six businesses received a ‘Certificate of Occupancy’ or official letter to ‘Open for Business’ from the Department of Development Services’ Small Business Project Management Program in April. |
- Prince William County Department of Development Services |
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I am so grateful for my husband Rene, my dad, and all the other dads we are blessed with. I wish all families, especially the dads, a happy Father's Day!
- Supervisor Vega
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Sikh Center of Virginia Vaisakhi Mela Day |
On Sunday April 18th, our office joined the Sikh community at their Vaisakhi Mela day. |
Virtual Meeting to be Held June 9th on Trails Component of Comprehensive Plan
Interested in County Trails? If so, you won’t want to miss this virtual meeting on the trails component for the Comprehensive Plan!
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Supervisor Vega Attends Prince William Wildflower Society’s Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony |
On April 30th, Supervisor Vega attended the Prince William Wildflower Society’s Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony at the Old Courthouse in Manassas.
Special thanks to Nancy Vehrs and the Wildflower Society for their commitment to conservation and our environment!
- Coles District Staff
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Farmers Markets and Farm Stands to Visit |
Find a list of farmers markets and farm stands in Prince William County |
- Prince William County Office of Tourism |
Supervisor Vega Addresses Lake Jackson Lions Club |
Supervisor Vega addressed the Lake Jackson Lions Club at their virtual meeting on May 17th. |
Virginia to Hold Primary Elections on June 8th |
Virginia will hold primary elections on June 8th. Only certain political parties will their nominee be chosen on June 8th as some seats are uncontested, while other nominees were chosen by other methods. |
Supervisor Vega Speaks at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new LIDL Store on Liberia Avenue |
On April 21st, Supervisor Vega was invited to speak at the ribbon cutting for the new LIDL store on Liberia Avenue. Their new location is the fourth to open in Prince William County in recent years. Supervisors Vega thanked the store for expanding their investment into Prince William County and for offering fresh, quality produce at reduce costs to county residents.
- Coles District Staff
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Fleet Management Division Recognized as Best 100 Fleet in America
The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA), the world’s largest association of fleet management professionals for the 13th year has recognized Prince William County’s Department of Facility and Fleet Management-Fleet Management Division as a Best 100 Fleet in America 2021.
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- Prince William County Office of Communications |
Save the Date! Manassas City Library Ribbon Cutting! |
Prince William Public Libraries cordially invites you to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
to celebrate the grand opening of
the Manassas City Library. The event will be Monday, June 7th from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at
10104 Dumfries Road Manassas.
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- Prince William Public Libraries |
Increase in Glass Recycling in Prince William County |
There has been an increase in glass recycling in Prince William County. Residents have made this program a success. The Solid Waste Division joined other jurisdictions in the regional “purple bin club” in April 2019. |
- Prince William County Office of Communications |
VRE Returns to Full Service
Commuter Rail System to Operate 32 Daily Trains Beginning June 1st
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Circle June 1st on your calendar. That’s when the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will resume its full-service schedule, increasing commuting options for passengers. VRE has been running a reduced-service schedule since March 17, 2020, following a decline in ridership due to COVID-19. Under the full-service schedule, VRE will operate 32 daily trains on its two lines. |
- Virginia Railway Express |
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Congratulations to Aidan Kahl on achieving Eagle Scout! |
On May 16th, our office had the privilege of attending Mr. Kahl's Eagle Scout Ceremony. Congratulations! |
Supervisor Vega visits with Residents of Hidden Spring |
On May 12th, Supervisor Vega had the privilege of visiting with the wonderful residents of the Hidden Springs neighborhood off of Lucasville Road for a beautiful outdoor evening meeting.
This active neighborhood had a lot of questions about transportations, roads, and public safety. Supervisor Vega looks forward to assisting them with their requests!
- Coles District Staff
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In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, our community coalitions have partnered to support you with wellness messages at nine of our county trail locations. |
- Greater Prince William Trails Coalition |
Supervisor Vega Participates in ORMA’s Blessing of the Fleet |
On May 15th, Supervisor Vega enjoyed a beautiful morning the Occoquan River Maritime Association’s 20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet.
This year’s Blessing was dedicated in the memory of Patricia Croft.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition where receiving a blessing from the local Clergy was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
- Coles District Staff
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Brentsville Jail Museum Grand Opening |
After years of restoration and research, the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism hosted the Grand Opening of the Brentsville Jail Museum on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The new and innovative exhibits tell the story of the town of Brentsville and its inhabitants, highlighting the building's various uses from a jail in the 19th century, to a dormitory, private house, and office space in the 20th century.
- Prince William County Office of Communications
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FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Preliminary Update
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map or FIRM displays floodplain areas and level of flooding hazard for parcels across the county. This allows the federal government to determine the necessity for flood insurance, the county government to prevent development in the floor plain, and is how insurance brokers ascertain the amount of flood risk there is for a given parcel.
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They’re Baaaaack! Brood X Cicadas Have Arrived in Prince William County. |
By now you have heard the 17-year Brood X cicadas will be visiting Prince William County this summer. Chris Eckart, Specialty Programs coordinator for Science in the Park, captured this photo early this morning, at Lake Ridge Park, Woodbridge, VA. |
- Prince William County Parks Department |
Hatfield Brings Home Top Prize at 2021 Virtual Water Art Invitational |
The Service Authority's Water Art Invitational is designed to raise awareness about the value of clean water and to engage students in environmental stewardship through artistic expression. |
- Prince William Service Authority |
Kenneth Parsons, Founder of Independent Hill’s Parsons Farm, Passes Away at 88 |
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Board of Supervisors Meeting Schedule |
June 8 (CANCELLED)
June 15 (2:00 PM) Work Session
June 22 (2:00 PM / 7:30 PM) Regular Meeting
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Planning Commission Meeting Schedule |
June 2 (7:00 PM) Public Hearing
June 16 (6:00 PM) Work Session
June 16 (7:00 PM) Public Hearing
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Includes upcoming Board, Commission, and Committee meetings |
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Access to online services and contact information for elected officials |
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