Electric Vehicles:

Vehicles: Today I joined local, federal and WMATA officials (photo) for an announcement that the county is partnering with WMATA and the Federal Transit Administration on a $104 million federal grant for Metro’s transition to electric buses, including electrification of the Cinder Bed facility in Lorton. Learn more. Last Friday, the county introduced its first all-electric trash truck, part of the county's goal for government operations to be carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more.

EV Ports: The county continues to build charging capacity for electric vehicles (EVs) at its facilities for both county fleet use and public charging. As of Aug. 1, over 100 Level 2 (L2) charging ports are installed at 12 government facilities, including community centers, parking garages and government office buildings. Of those, eight of the facilities and 71 of the L2 charging ports are publicly accessible. Another 100-plus charging spaces are being planned over the next year. The public sites can be found using apps like ChargePoint and Plug-Share.

More updates coming soon, including solarizing of county facilities. If you have questions about the county's environmental efforts, email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Regards,

Walter

NOTE: Fairfax County Government offices will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Hurricane Idalia is a reminder that weather-related flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States. Fairfax County has efforts underway to mitigate flooding problems for residents through the management of floodplains, which are areas adjacent to stream channels that provide natural storage areas for excess water to accumulate and overflow when heavy storms occur. Floodplain viewer. Fairfax County’s latest activities are detailed in the 2023 Floodplain Management Plan (PDF), recently released by the county's Stormwater Management Program. Examples of the actions include:

• Coordinating and supporting VDOT in the identification and resolution of road flooding and drainage issues related to VDOT roadways.
• Continuing to implement flood mitigation projects for communities that are exposed to severe flooding risk.
• Developing an outreach program aimed at assisting private dam owners with proper operation and maintenance.
• Identifying funding opportunities to replace vulnerable or undersized culvert stream crossings with bridges or larger culverts to reduce flood hazards.

Learn more protecting your property from flooding.

Learn more about flood insurance.

Sept. 6 and 12 Community Meetings on Region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board began the process of updating the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, Visualize 2050, earlier this year. To provide an opportunity to discuss local projects that are being considered, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation is hosting in-person and virtual public meetings to discuss Visualize 2050. Learn more.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 397 752 106# For more information email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 808 443 420# For more information email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123. 

County Personnel Deployed to Assist Florida Residents

On Monday night, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) activated the county's Fire and Rescue personnel that are part of Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue in response to Hurricane Idalia. The 80-person team loaded 60 tons of equipment and deployed to the impacted areas in Florida. Please join me in wishing them a safe and successful deployment. You can get updates on their work on X/Twitter. Photo Credit: Virginia Task Force 1

Co-Responder Program to Expand this Fall

The Fairfax County Police Department and the Community Service Board’s Co-Responder program is scheduled to expand to four teams this fall, enabling the county to provide more direct mental health treatment to individuals in crisis. The program partners one of our police officers assigned to our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) with a CSB Crisis Intervention Specialist. The pair ride in a patrol cruiser together and respond to behavioral health calls for service throughout the county. They serve adults and youth undergoing emotional distress who would benefit from crisis intervention services. This distress could be potentially linked to mental health issues, substance usage, developmental disabilities, or other associated concerns. Learn more.

Holiday Ornaments Arrive!

The all-new, one-of-a-kind 2023 Town of Vienna holiday ornament has arrived, commemorating Vienna Elementary School's 150th anniversary. Ornaments are $25 each and all proceeds will be used for public art projects in Town. Please note that quantities are limited. For more information, contact Shelley Kozlowski, Deputy Town Clerk, at 703-255-6303 or email shelley.kozlowski@viennava.gov

Fair Housing and Equal Employment Event Sept. 21

On Sept. 21, the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs is hosting a multi-jurisdictional Fair Housing and Equal Employment event “Human Rights: Legal Updates and Emerging Frontiers.” The program is 10 a.m. to noon at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Learn more. (PDF)

Input on Summer Concert Series

The Park Authority would like your input on the Hunter Mill Melodies free concerts and children's entertainment series. Please take a few minutes to fill out the brief online survey. Your suggestions will help them determine music and performances for next year. Take the survey by Sept. 17.

Fun Things to Do in September

Visit Fairfax has put together a great list of fun things to do in September – in Hunter Mill District and countywide. There are several events and athletic activities, including the annual Dulles plane pull. Learn more.

Volunteers Needed for Reston Multicultural Festival

The Reston Community Center needs volunteers for the Reston Multicultural Festival on Sept. 23, including set-up on Sept. 22, as well as support of children’s activities and entertainment stages. Each volunteer receives a festival T-shirt, snacks and food voucher during their shift. For more information, or to volunteer, email Ha Brock at ha@reston.org by Sept. 20.