Prince William Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega (Press Release): The Board of Supervisors is currently working on the budget for the 2025 fiscal year. As part of these discussions, we are considering whether to raise the tax rate on data centers from the current rate of $2.15. Each raise of $0.05 generates approximately $1.8M. If we were to raise the rate to $3.70, it would generate approximately $55.8M in new revenue.

Below are options the Board may consider:

1) Leave as is ($2.15 per $100)
2) Raise gradually over next 4 years
3) Adopt higher rate now ($3.70 per $100)

For comparison, the tax rate on data centers in Loudoun County is $4.15, and in Fairfax County it’s $4.57.

Complete the survey now. This survey will be available until Friday, April 12. Thank you very much for your participation. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

If you feel strongly about this, consider sending an email to the entire Board of County Supervisors by emailing [email protected]. You can also find a directory of phone numbers for each member of the Board on the county website.

Finally, consider attending one of the last few budget meetings on April 9, April 16, or the April 23 and speaking publicly. The last official public hearing is on April 9. You deserve to have your voice heard.

Prince William County Service Authority: From late March until mid-May 2024, Prince William County Service Authority personnel and trucks will be at various locations throughout our service area to perform the annual water system flushing.

Crews will open fire hydrants in brief intervals to forcefully draw water through our network of pipes and dislodge sediments and minerals that may have collected during the year.

Customers may experience a brief period of cloudiness in their water as sediments are agitated in their local pipes. If this occurs, customers can run cold tap water for approximately two minutes until the cloudiness dissipates.

“Spring flushing” also includes a short-term change in drinking water disinfectants from chloramine to free chlorine, which may cause a slight chlorine taste and smell in the tap water.

“Scheduled system-wide flushing is a best maintenance management practice recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Health to protect water quality within the distribution systems,” said Jonathan Okafor, Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance.

To view Frequently Asked Questions about the System Flushing Program, please visit pwcsa.org/water-distribution-system-flushing-program-faq. For updates specifying the areas and times where our crews are flushing, visit the Service Authority Facebook and X pages.

 

On April 1, tickets go on sale online for the 16th Annual Occoquan Duck Splash Race. This year’s race will take place during the town’s spring Riverfest and Craft Show event.

Read more in the Occoquan Mayor’s E-Newsletter:

Join us on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. to watch a thousand numbered rubber ducks drop from the Route 123 bridge on the Occoquan River and “race” to a pre-determined, but malleable, finish line.

“Adopt” a numbered rubber duck for $5 and if your duck finishes 1st you will receive a $500 cash prize. If your duck finishes 2nd through 5th you will receive a $100 cash prize, and if your duck finishes 6th through 10th you will receive a $20 cash prize.

You do not need to be present to win and all net proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) organization Patriots for Disabled Divers, which uses scuba as therapeutic tool for wounded warriors.

For more information and to adopt a duck online go to occoquantourism.com. In prior years we have sold out, so don’t wait too long.

ARTfactory, a creative arts center dedicated to providing quality programming in the visual and performing arts to Manassas, Prince William County, and surrounding areas, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Read more in the ARTfactory’s press release:

The ARTfactory was founded in 1984 by a group of artists and art lovers with the goal of enriching lives in the community through the arts. Originally named the Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County, the center was relocated in 2002 to its current location, the Hopkins Candy Factory building.

In 2020 the center was officially renamed ARTfactory and what started as a vision to foster partnerships for the arts within the community has grown
exponentially over the years.

Additionally, the center is home to the historic Pied Piper Theatre and Rooftop Productions where youth and adults train in and perform live theatre.

ARTfactory also houses the Caton Merchant Family Gallery where numerous rotating exhibits featuring area artists are on display, as well as the newly named Wind River Theater where events and theatrical performances are held.

Extending its community outreach, ARTfactory also hosts artist receptions and talks, live theatre productions, special events, and a summer concert series, Summersounds, which is held each summer in partnership with the city of Manassas and MICRON.

Although ARTfactory’s official anniversary falls in March, the center is celebrating the achievement throughout the year with increased programming and events, such as additional theatrical performances and fundraising events. ARTfactory’s 40th anniversary is being sponsored by area businesses United Bank, Farrell & Croft, Didlake, Inside Nova, Primeau
Mayer, The Irving Law Firm, UVA Health, and Mike Garcia Construction.

ARTfactory is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on ARTfactory classes and events, visit their website at virginiaartfactory.org.

The students and staff of Grafton Village Elementary School (GVES) have once again shown their
dedication to helping others through the success of their second annual cereal box drive.

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Things are looking very spring-like here on Burnside Farm. Some beautiful tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom, and the attraction opened this past Sunday, March 24.

The tulip farm in Nokesville, often described as Holland in Virginia, allows visitors to stroll the gardens, picnic, take photos, and pick tulips and bulbs to take home.

Tickets are available online. Attendees must pre-purchase their tickets online, as there are no tickets available at the gate.

Most of the weekend tickets have already sold out. Prices range between $19 and $25 each.

Burnside plans to operate its spring festival until April 14. “If crop conditions are favorable to extend our season beyond April 14, we will release additional dates/tickets on April 11 at noon,” the farm posted in a press release.

Greetings, Prince William – Please join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park for Park Day 2024 on April 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Park Day is a nationwide event that encourages Civil War enthusiasts to help maintain, restore and preserve Civil War sites through volunteerism. Volunteers are needed for projects such as litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries, and trail maintenance throughout the 140-acre park. Please wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves, and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. Please meet in the parking lot off Iron Brigade Avenue. You’ll feel great getting outdoors with friends and family as you clean up and beautify this piece of Civil War history! No signups necessary, just show up. Please contact [email protected] or call 703.366.3049 for more information.

• Animal lovers, the Pet Food Pantry at City of Manassas Animal Shelter needs donations of pet food to help those who temporarily need assistance in feeding their pets. Donations of dry and canned pet food plus treats for dogs and cats, pet food for small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) and cat litter are welcome! Items can be brought to the animal shelter at 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas 20110. If your kids are looking for a Spring Break service project, they could hold a pet food drive! Please call 703.257.2420 for more information and shelter hours.
• And animal lovers in Prince William County, you haven’t been forgotten! Prince William County Police Department is holding a Fill the Cruiser event for the County’s Animal Services Center March 28, 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. Come by the Central District Police Station, 5036 Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge and help load up the police vehicle with your donations of pet food, pet toys, kitty litter and more to feed those furry friends! Please visit https://bit.ly/3TkJF9W for a list of requested items. Please email [email protected] or call 703.792.6465 for more information.
• Brain Injury Services (BIS) needs volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, lunch, etc. can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on March 27, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• If you need service hours for school, church, etc., the Town of Dumfries is holding their Dumfries Spring Clean-Up on April 6, beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone’s welcome! Volunteers will meet at 17757 Main Street in Dumfries for check-in. Fresh air, volunteering with friends and family, cleaning up the community – what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning! Please visit https://bit.ly/48E96Ka to register, call 703.221.3400, ext. 119 or email [email protected] to learn more.
• Come out April 6 and be a River Hero! Friends of the Occoquan is holding their Spring River Cleanup at 5 different sites in Prince William County, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Preregistration is recommended by emailing [email protected]. Bottled drinks and snacks will be available. Enjoy your Saturday morning with friends by doing your part to keep the source of our drinking water safe and pristine! Please visit www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org and scroll down the Home page for more information.
• You can celebrate Earth Day with Leopold’s Preserve! They need volunteers to help plant 200 donated trees on their facility at 16290 Thoroughfare Road in Broad Run on Saturday, April 20. Two shifts are available, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.. This sounds like a wonderful activity for the whole family! Please visit www.leopoldspreserve.com/calendar to sign up. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• Use your skills and knowledge of English to make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees in our community! Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s English Empowerment Center (EEC) needs volunteers age 18+ to teach English to beginning-level learners at various locations in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, Reston, and also online. They have a particular need for volunteers for classes in Lorton, Alexandria, and Annandale. Prior teaching experience is preferred but is not required – training, curriculum, and support will be provided. EEC also seeks committed office volunteers to assist with administrative tasks, special events, and data entry. Please come to an information session/volunteer orientation on Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. over Zoom. For more information or to RSVP for the orientation, email [email protected].
• Save the Date and get a jump on spring cleaning! Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a Free Document Shredding Event March 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or until trucks reach capacity. The event is located at Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. This is for residents only, unavailable for businesses and commercial patrons. Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/free-paper-shredding-residents for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
• StreetLight Community Ministries still needs volunteers who can provide a nourishing dinner for 30 people each night at the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge through March 31. Meals should be prepared at home and provided in disposable aluminum pans or serving trays; drop off is between 6:15 p.m. – 7 p.m. only. Desserts and sides are also appreciated but not required. It’s a fantastic group project, and you’ll feel great knowing you are providing a delicious homecooked meal for our homeless neighbors! Please visit https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lowvd4/ to sign up. If you sign up to bring a meal and cannot honor your commitment/make it on time, please email [email protected] or call 571.677.2883.

I-95 Northbound and Southbound: Exit 126 (Spotsylvania): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closures on both I-95 northbound and southbound starting at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closures at 10 p.m. between mile markers 125-126. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Construction of a new overpass of I-95 at Route 17 (Mills Drive).

I-95 Northbound: Exit 118 (Thornburg): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Varying single and double lane closures at mile marker 119, just north of exit 118 (Thornburg), for maintenance repairs to the bridge over the Po River.

• Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures on I-95 northbound in the through travel lanes and local travel lanes between exits 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg and exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) in Stafford. Various construction activities for the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project.
• Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Monday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Alternating lane closures at mile markers 132-134 for barrier wall removal.
• Exit 140 (Stafford) to 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville): Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure at mile 142 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project. Construction of a noise barrier.

I-95 Southbound: Exit 140 (Courthouse Road) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 139-138 beginning at 9 p.m. until 10 a.m. the following morning, except for Friday morning, when all lanes reopen by 5 a.m. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension. Installation of a camera pole.

• Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 135-134 beginning at 9 p.m. Double lane closures at 10 p.m. Two lanes reopen by 4:30 a.m. with a single lane remaining closed until 10 a.m. except Friday morning. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.
• Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Friday, Midnight – 3 a.m. I-95 southbound off-ramp to Route 17 northbound toward Warrenton will close at this time for barrier removal. Click here to view the detour.

Spotsylvania County: Route 208 (Courthouse Road): Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating single lane closure with flagging near Route 655 (Ridge Road) for guardrail repair.

• Route 601 (Arritt Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mobile lane closures for eradication of pavement markings and painting of fresh markings, near Mica Mine Road.
• Route 601 (Lewiston Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mobile lane closures for eradication of pavement markings and painting of fresh markings, between Lambs Creek Church Road and Worman Drive.
• Route 620 (Spotswood Furnace Road): Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating single lane closure with flagging near Route 616 (Ford Road) for guardrail repair.
• Route 621 (Orange Plank Road): Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating single lane closure with flagging near Route 3 intersection for guardrail repair.
• Route 646 (Stanfield Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mobile lane closures for eradication of pavement markings and painting of fresh markings, near Log Acres Lane.
• Route 719 (Days Bridge Road): Thursday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alternating, one-way traffic on Days Bridge Road at the bridge over Lake Anna for maintenance. Automatic flagging devices will direct traffic through the work zone. Flagging crew members operate the devices, which can be adjusted to respond to congestion.
• Route 1584 (Glen Eagles Drive): Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Alternating single lane closure with flagging between Hazel Court and Sawgrass Lane. Pipe replacement.
• I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound
  A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Additional right turn lane added to Southpoint Parkway to Route 1 southbound. Project completion in Aug. 2025.
• Route 3 and Orange Plank Road: Utility relocation is underway ahead of construction to modify the intersection of Route 3 and Orange Plank Rd. to a new traffic pattern to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce conflict points. Project completion in spring 2024.
• Route 17 (Mills Drive) Overpass Replacement and Widening: Construction started in Dec. 2020 to replace the existing two-lane interstate overpass on Route 17 with a four-lane bridge. Route 17 is being widened to four lanes until just east of the Hospital Boulevard/Germanna Point Drive intersection. A shared-use path, sidewalk, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be added as part of the project. Project completion was scheduled for late Feb. 2024. The project is now anticipated to be completed in May 2024.
• Route 208 (Courthouse Road) and Hood Drive: Hood Drive is reduced to a single lane between Route 1 and Route 208 (Courthouse Road), carrying only northbound traffic. Southbound traffic should follow the posted detour along Courthouse Road and Route 1 southbound. New right and left turn lanes are under construction at an entrance to a future Veterans Health Administration clinic. Additional turn lanes will be built on northbound Hood Drive approaching Courthouse Road. A raised median on Hood Drive will separate northbound and southbound traffic between Courthouse Road and McGowan Drive. Additional sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be installed at the intersection. Project completion in July 2024.
• Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening: Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, will be built parallel to Mudd Tavern Road, and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Project completion in May 2025.

Stafford County: Route 1 Southbound: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Single lane closure between Little Forest Church Road and Woodstock Lane. Utility work under permit. This work will be underway at this location on weekdays through early April 2024.

• Route 17 Northbound: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on Route 17 northbound between Short Street and Sanford Drive for I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing construction, near I-95 exit 133 interchange. Project completion May 17, 2024.
• Route 17 Southbound: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on Route 17 southbound between Sanford Drive and Short Street for I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing construction, near I-95 exit 133 interchange. Project completion May 17, 2024.
• Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) Westbound: Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on the Route 610 westbound bridge over I-95 for maintenance.
• Route 612 (Tacketts Mill Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mobile lane closures for eradication of pavement markings and painting of fresh markings, between Mill Lane and Graceview Lane.
• Route 616 (Poplar Road): Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alternating lane closures for milling and paving between Branch Creek Way and Tacketts Mill Road.
• Route 651 (Kellogg Mill Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mobile lane closures for eradication of pavement markings and painting of fresh markings, between Moffett Lane and Shover Lane.
• Staffordboro Park and Ride Lot: The Park and Ride commuter lot near the Garrisonville Road and Mine Road intersection will close on Saturday, March 30 and reopen for the morning commuter rush on Monday, April 1. Crews are closing the lot over this weekend to refresh the pavement markings.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library has received a $7,500 grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation to expand the Library of Things collection, it reports in a press release.

The Library of Things circulates items such as outdoor games, environmental tools, early childhood literacy packs, and craft kits and is a vital way for the public to have access to equipment that can otherwise be inaccessible due to cost.

This grant allows the library to expand the Library of Things with items to encourage outdoor learning and recreation, such as birdwatching and astronomy kits, more outdoor games, and equipment for enjoying the outdoors.