PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A federal study aimed at closing major gaps in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) is nearing completion, marking a significant step forward in Prince William County’s long-term effort to expand its trail network and connect communities.
The $375,000 study, funded by the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), identifies preferred alignments to close three key gaps in the trail:
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin led the groundbreaking ceremony today for the new segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Featherstone Wildlife Refuge. Addressing community members and representatives from various agencies, Franklin emphasized the significance of this project in enhancing local recreation and connectivity.
Franklin highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this new trail segment possible, involving Virginia Railway Express, the Virignia Department of Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “This project represents the strong collaboration efforts for which our community is known,” Franklin said. She outlined the trail’s features, including approximately one mile of natural surface trails, 1,100 linear feet of wetland boardwalk, and two pedestrian bridges that navigate delicate ecosystems.
Featherstone shopping center redevelopment
Joe Jacobs, Vice President at Elm Street Communities, will take the floor to present plans for partially redeveloping the Featherstone shopping center. The ambitious project includes adding a new coffee shop, housing units, and revitalizing part of the vacant commercial space adjacent to Gabe’s clothing store.
Prince William County Government: “Prince William County is closer to constructing the one-mile segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail through the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge in North Woodbridge, connecting the Rippon VRE station to Veteran Memorial Park.
“On Tuesday, the Board of County Supervisors authorized the transfer, budget and appropriation of $1.3 million from general-use proffer funding, $825,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax Fund [hotel taxes] (dedicated for transportation), and $500,000 from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act. The new funding will supplement a Federal Land Access Program grant already awarded to the county for the project.”
Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin held a recent town hall meeting to discuss transportation, infrastructure, and parks projects in the district.
Here are notes from the call provided by the supervisor:
UPDATED: An 8-mile stretch of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Woodbridge could cost as much as $5 million.
According to one preliminary estimate, one stretch of the trail, between Neabsco Creek and Metz Wetlands, which would connect Rippon Lodge with Leesylvania State Park, would cost $2 million, said Wooodbridge District Supervisor Frank J. Principi.
