Transurban awards Express Lane Community Grants

Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, announced today that three local organizations – Coles Elementary School, Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and Mount Vernon and Lee Chamber of Commerce – will receive grants this quarter through the Express Lanes Community Grant Program.  The grant program supports organizations located within the 495 and 95 Express Lanes corridors that undertake projects that sustain, enhance and protect the local community.

“As a long-term partner to Northern Virginia, Transurban cares about the environment, safety and wellbeing of the communities in which we operate,” said Nic Barr, Vice President of Operations, Transurban.  “We strive to be good neighbors in the region and are committed to giving back to our community.  Through our grant program, we deliver funds, which enable organizations to complete projects for the public good.”

Since 2008, Transurban has been active in the local community through the Express Lanes Community Grant Program.  To date, more than $550,000 has been awarded to 119 organizations located in the 495 and 95 Express Lanes corridors.

This quarter’s grant recipients will put their grant money toward programs that will inspire leadership through environmental stewardship, prevent distracted driving related injuries and deaths and recognize the service of local public safety personnel.  Coles Elementary School plans to use its grant to purchase recycling bins for each of its classrooms for their Express Lanes Recycling Project.  Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department will put its grant toward purchasing another golf cart simulator, trailer and other equipment for their distracted driving simulations.  Mount Vernon and Lee Chamber of Commerce plans to help pay for public safety honorees and their families to attend their annual Police & Firefighters Tribute event.

“Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and the Virginia State Police are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by Transurban.  With the grant funds, we will be able to help prevent distracted driving injuries through community outreach, education and self-awareness,” said F.B. Tyler, senior trooper, Virginia State Police.  Coles Elementary School’s Principal, Ramona Richardson continued, “Thanks to the Express Lanes Community Grant Program, we will be able to make the Express Lanes Recycling Project a reality and get one step closer to becoming a trash-free school.”

The next deadline to submit an application for the Express Lanes Community Grant Program is September 30, 2015.  Interested organizations can learn more and apply online at ExpressLanes.com/grant-application.  Applications will be accepted in the following categories:

• Environment – projects that enhance or protect the environment within the 495 and 95 Express Lanes corridors
• Community – projects that support the health, economic development or well-being of communities within the corridor
• Safety – projects that support safety initiatives within the corridor