Additions/improvements to the park include:  

• Repairs and new additional sidewalks  
• Parking lot paving  
• Curbs  
• Storm water drainage  
• New playground  
• New dock for fishing with ramp for wheelchair accessibility  

Chair Wheeler always welcomes the opportunity to speak about PWC's 3 types of major business incentive approaches aimed to aide recruitment, retention, and expansion of targeted economic development projects:

• Economic Development Opportunity Fund Grants: Cash grants based on prior negotiated performance agreement.
• Targeted Industry Status: 50% reduction in permit review time & 50% reduction in site permitting fees only as well as a dedicated Development Services Project Manager.
• County Owned Land at Innovation: Land price attainability at $6.00 per square foot and dedicated sale proceeds may be used to reinvest into project related infrastructure.

Background

November 2, 2022, the BOCS passed a motion approving the Comprehensive Plan Amendment #CPA2021-00004, PW Digital Gateway. The Land Use chapter of the County's Comprehensive Plan now includes this amendment and allows the area to be used for technology.

Coming In Late 2023

Additional access points to and from the Express Lanes near Marine Corps Base Quantico and Courthouse Road will open in late 2023. Following the reopening of the I-95 general-purpose lanes from exits 130 to 133 in late 2023, local traffic seeking to enter the northbound Express Lanes will use a new flyover ramp near Route 17.

Additional Service

The East-West Express (96) will also run on Saturdays so you can hop aboard and connect to eastern PWC. 

View all OmniRide schedules, including Saturday, here.

Running for a Good Cause

Registration is open for the 6th Annual CFH 5k Run-Walk for Affordable Housing. The live race will be on Sunday, October 8, at Occoquan Regional Park and kicks off a virtual race that runs through Sunday, October 22. Learn more and how to get involved here.

If You are Considering Applying

While proposals outside its focus areas will be considered, aligning with one or more funding priorities below is strongly encouraged:

• Housing
• Skilled Careers
• Food Security
• Behavioral Health
• Community Engagement

The CAC model is a nationally recognized method that supports a seamless, effective, trauma-informed response to child abuse allegations, investigations, and prosecutions. The model also emphasizes coordination and collaboration with partner agencies with a goal of avoiding re-traumatization of children during the investigative process. In addition, it allows for services to be more efficient, victim access to occur more quickly, and yields $1,000 estimated tax savings per investigation.

PWC’s CAC is unique in that it is situated within DSS on government property. It has state-of-the-art technology that connects law enforcement and the Commonwealth Attorney, in real time, during forensic interviews with child survivors of abuse and/or neglect to gather evidence for prosecutions.

As of June 2023, since opening its doors in April 2022 (Chair's Calendar issue 113) the CAC has:

• Conducted 388 forensic interviews.
• Reviewed 401 cases by the multidisciplinary team.
• Secured 1,921 advocacy-related appointments and services.
• Conducted 420 mental health sessions.

The Prince William Sheriff’s Office created its Gun Safety Program in 2016 in collaboration with Project Child Safe and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The program teaches children steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe if they find a gun at home, outdoors, or in someone else’s home. It supplements the “Safe at Home, Safe Alone” program taught in fourth-grade classes across the state.

Initially only taught in the County’s public schools, it was so well received that private and traditional schools began offering the gun safety education in the 2022-23 school year. The program reaches 4,000 to 5,000 fourth-grade students annually with a 30- to 45-minute presentation along with videos, a group discussion, and brochures.

The fourth graders in the program sign a Firearms Responsibility Contract to reinforce the classroom instruction that reads:

"I hereby promise I will not handle firearms without permission. I will never play with firearms. If I find a firearm, I will not touch it; I will tell an adult immediately. I will obey the rules of safe firearms handling."

About the Squadron

CAF RISE ABOVE Squadron is an educational outreach program that brings the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) to life in communities and classrooms. Working with and having the support of many original Tuskegee Airmen and WASP, has led to the establishment of its Six Guiding Principles below, which serve as the foundation of its educational program.

Aim High

Believe in Yourself

Use Your Brain

Be Ready to Go

Never Quit

Expect to Win

Pet Food Drive

In conjunction with the event, a pet food drive is being held from Saturday, September 2, through Saturday, September 9. Donations of food or treats can be dropped off at the Chinn Fitness Center or the PWC Animal Services Bureau located at 14807 Bristow Road in Manassas. Both canned and bagged donations will be accepted, but must be unopened.

Important Details

Owners must provide written proof from a veterinarian showing their dog's current rabies vaccination (a dog tag is NOT sufficient). No female dogs in season please. Dogs must be 6 months or older. Limit 2 dogs per handler (person). Handler must be 16 years or older. People swimming is NOT permitted during this time.

Jam packed with festivities throughout the day, the event includes:

• Live performances and exhibits by local artists and organizations.
• Visual art on display and for purchase.
• Local authors reading and selling their work.
• Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages.
• Food and beverages available for purchase.
• Classes and workshops

See the full schedule (draft) here.