Speakers highlighted and underscored the importance of investments in the federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill for Richmond Communities
(Richmond, VA) – Today, State Senators Lamont Bagby and Michael Jones joined public health advocates and clean transportation experts at the Richmond Main Public Library to thank Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan for her past work and encourage her to lead the way in securing long-term investments for an electrified transportation future.
As Congress is negotiating the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, speakers highlighted how federal investments—like the recent $1.5 million awarded to Richmond’s “Project SYNC”—are already lowering costs, cleaning the air, and creating high-quality jobs in Virginia’s 4th District.
The transportation sector currently accounts for over 55% of NOx pollution in the U.S. In Richmond, where the American Lung Association has issued a “C” grade for particle pollution, more than 229,000 residents are considered at-risk. Speakers emphasized that sustaining the progress made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is essential for public health and Virginia’s economic competitiveness.
State Senator Lamont Bagby highlighted the essential link between modernizing our transit corridors and the long-term economic vitality of the Commonwealth. “Securing robust federal investment through the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill serves as a fundamental pillar of our state’s economic strategy,” said Sen. Bagby. “By prioritizing projects like ‘Project SYNC,’ we are demonstrating that Richmond is ready to lead the clean energy economy, creating high-quality jobs and ensuring our infrastructure supports a new generation of growth and innovation.”
State Senator Michael Jones emphasized the critical role of federal funding in maintaining the safety and integrity of Virginia’s primary transit arteries. “The investments made in the IIJA are especially needed to ensure the safety and security for all commuters traveling along I-95 and East-West on I-64. Weakening such investments could put some of our Richmond communities at risk, we need our federal lawmakers to use their voices to uphold and strengthen such legislation, not detract from it.”
Dr. Vivienne Pierce McDaniel, health advocate and Virginia Representative of Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, highlighted the urgent need to transition to clean transportation to protect vulnerable populations from systemic health risks. “We must address the respiratory health crisis caused by the transportation sector due to the negative effects it has on marginalized communities. By weakening investments made in the IIJA, we will be doing a disservice to children and low-income communities. We must continue to fight for such investments in effort to safeguard our children, our communities and the next generation of Richmonders. “
Alleyn Harned, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities, noted how Virginians are benefiting from clean transportation investments. “Federal partnerships can help lead us towards affordability and clean air,” said Harned. “These investments in EV charging, electrifying public transportation, and multimodal transit options are already delivering results; jobs creation, public-health savings, and spurring billions in private-sector investments. That’s why we are grateful to Congresswoman McClellan’s past work and encouraging her to continue to push for continued clean transportation funds for Richmond. ”
Advocates and officials concluded the event by calling for sustained momentum in the transition to an electrified transit future to ensure Virginia remains a leader in both public health and economic innovation. With the surface transportation reauthorization on the horizon, the message from Richmond is clear: federal leaders must protect the investments that are already delivering cleaner air and better jobs to the Commonwealth.
Photos from the event are available HERE. A recording of the event is available upon request.
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Contact: Cole Newsome, cnewsome@causecp.org, 919 223 8588