Articles

Originally published in: ALXnow

Rep. Don Beyer is pushing for $5.9 million in Community Project Funding for Alexandria as part of his fiscal year 2026 proposals. The requests focus on improving infrastructure, public safety, and affordable housing in the city.

A significant chunk of the funding, $1.56 million, is aimed at upgrading storm drains along East Howell and East Bellefonte Avenues. This project is part of the broader Flood Action Alexandria program, which implements both short and long-term flood prevention measures.

Another $1.5 million request is for an energy-independent emergency shelter system. This would allow the shelter to operate off-grid for up to 72 hours during extreme weather events.

Public safety is also a priority, with two $670,000 requests. One is for enhancing technology and data management for the Alexandria Police Department, including in-car cameras. The other would upgrade radio systems for both the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office. These improvements would boost communication capabilities, especially when assisting federal partners like the U.S. Capitol Police during major events.

Affordable housing gets attention too, with a $1.5 million request for The Square at 511. This money would help extend the lifespan of this affordable housing complex in the Arlandria neighborhood by modernizing elevators, replacing windows, and updating the plumbing system.

These Alexandria projects are part of Rep. Beyer’s larger set of 15 Community Project Funding proposals for FY26 across his district, which includes Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County.

The House Appropriations Committee will review all proposals before making final decisions on which projects to fund.