Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.
Key Projects in the CIP
New School Constructions
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
"This modern approach to the wedding experience provided couples with an exclusive moment to marry— without the stress of planning an elaborate wedding, the burden of excessive costs or the pressure of social expectations," the press release stated.
In addition to "Seal the Deal," Occoquan hosted the Firelight Night event. Local businesses also donated wedding gifts for the couples to take home after their respective ceremonies. Smith will host her "Valentine's Day Bash" in February, which will be similar to the "Seal the Deal" event where couples can have an intimate ceremony. For more information, please visit the clerk's website or social media.Historic downtown Occoquan, VA, transforms into a festive Hallmark-like town for the holiday season with events such as the Annual Tree Lighting, Santa Sing-A-Long, and Shop Late nights. Visitors can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and family fun while participating in contests and writing letters to Santa through mid-December.
Press release:
SHOP, DINE, & WIN CONTEST
November 23 – December 15
Historic District
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Fairfax Water will test the Occoquan Dam Siren warning system on Wednesday, November 20, at 10 a.m. The sirens are intended to alert people near the Occoquan River to seek higher ground in case of a dam failure.
Press Release from the Town of Occoquan:
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Press Release:
Join us for a wonderful holiday tradition in Occoquan on the evening of Saturday, November 23, 2024. This is our popular tree lighting and shop late event that will for the third year in a row include our Holiday Firelight activities.
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At the Occoquan Town Council’s November 6 meeting, members revisited the Riverwalk Project, a long-anticipated expansion to connect more of the town’s waterfront to its main pedestrian pathways.
This discussion followed up on plans from the September 20, 2022 meeting, when the council authorized the Berkley Group to develop a comprehensive project vision covering the Riverwalk and Riverwalk Overlook expansions. This plan, funded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), involved a survey of local conditions, community feedback sessions, and preliminary diagrams, ultimately completed in September 2023.
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The 2024 Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Occoquan, held from September 27 to September 29, wrapped up with positive reviews, high attendance, and valuable lessons learned. Despite challenges, the community and vendors enjoyed a weekend filled with art, crafts, and unique experiences, establishing the show as a beloved event in the town's calendar.
Organized by town employee Julie Little and her team, this year’s show featured hundreds of vendors offering handmade items, artisanal products, and creative experiences. Many vendors were excited to showcase and purchase items before the upcoming Christmas, recognizing the show as a prime opportunity to kick-start holiday sales and stock up on unique gifts and decorations.