U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved three federal appropriations totaling $671,000 that will benefit projects in the New River Valley region. Senate approval of the bill is anticipated in the near future, and signature of the bill by the President is expected to follow.

A federal appropriation of $475,000 will be used to rehabilitate the runway at the New River Valley Airport; an appropriation in the amount of $100,000 will be used by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to install new laptops in its patrol vehicles; and an appropriation of $96,000 will be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a feasibility study for future improvements to Claytor Lake.

“I am pleased that the federal government has made another significant commitment to the development of the New River Valley,” Boucher said.  “These projects will significantly improve infrastructure and public safety in the region. Additionally, these investments will enhance the region’s ability to attract jobs.”

The $475,000 appropriation will be used by the New River Valley Airport Commission to rehabilitate the runway at the New River Valley Airport in Dublin. The runway currently has cracks through which grass is growing and is in need of repair. The New River Valley Airport is vital to the region’s economy, shipping or receiving 179,000 pounds of cargo per year.

Additionally, the House of Representatives approved funding in the amount of $100,000 for the Montgomery County Sherriff’s office, which will be used to purchase new laptops which will be placed in patrol vehicles. The laptops will enable officers to access the Department’s main computer to receive and send vital information in their vehicle while on patrol. The new system will enable officers to spend more time on patrol during shifts and more efficiently protect the residents of Montgomery County.

The House of Representatives also approved an appropriation of $96,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a feasibility study for improvements to Claytor Lake. The funds will advance the Claytor Lake Ecosystem Restoration project which would restore habitat features, establish emergent, transitional and terrestrial vegetation and enable construction of embayment or wetland features in the Lake area.