Showing posts with label Loudoun County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Loudoun County. Show all posts

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Loudoun County Selected to Host 2015 Wine Tourism Conference

LEESBURG - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Loudoun County will host the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference.  Secured in coordination with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Visit Loudoun and with assistance from the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, the conference will make its East Coast debut in 2015.  Wine tourism leaders from across the country and world will travel to Virginia November 18-20, 2015for the fifth annual Wine Tourism Conference at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg.  Jackie Saunders, Vice President of Marketing with Visit Loudoun, was present for the announcement at the 2014 Wine Tourism Conference held earlier this month in Paso Robles, California.

“We are thrilled that the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference will be hosted by Virginia and held in Loudoun County, one of the most iconic wine destinations in Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “I congratulate Loudoun County and the Virginia team for securing this nationally recognized conference.  As the nation’s fifth largest wine producer, Virginia is quickly becoming the premier international destination for wine and culinary travelers.  The conference will offer an exciting opportunity to showcase our award-winning wines and world-class wine industry.”

The Wine Tourism conference is organized by Zephyr Adventures and is expected to attract more than 200 wine tourism professionals from across the world.  Open to winery owners, journalists, wine associations, wine destination marketing organizations and tour operators, the conference serves as a networking forum and provides extensive educational opportunities for this growing industry.  Previous conferences have been held on the West Coast in the premier wine destinations of Napa and Sonoma in California and Portland, Oregon

Securing the Wine Tourism Conference is another win for Virginia’s efforts to become the premier East Coast destination for wine and wine tourism,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  “With our wines garnering international acclaim, sales at a new all-time high – surpassing 521,000 cases in the last fiscal year – and more people visiting our wineries than ever before, Virginia is already recognized as a rising star in the global wine trade.  The 2015 Wine Tourism Conference will further that well-deserved attention and reinforce all that we have to offer as a wine destination.”
“Virginia is a top destination for wine lovers across the country, with more than 1.6 million tourists visiting our wineries last year bringing instant revenue to the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “By hosting the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference, Virginia becomes the first East Coast destination for this annual event, once again showing the country and the world that we are a top location for wine tourism.”

“We are excited to be bringing the Wine Tourism Conference to Loudoun County and to Virginia,” said Allan Wright with Zephyr Adventures.  “We know both the county and the state have done a great job at promoting wine and tourism and think our attendees from other areas will be very impressed with the local hospitality.”
“Loudoun is thrilled to be hosting the 2015 conference and that organizers recognize Loudoun and Virginia’s important and growing role in the wine tourism industry,” said Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson.

Recognized as one of the top wine destinations in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Virginia wine industry continues to thrive in both Loudoun County and across the Commonwealth.  Currently, there are 3,100 acres of vineyards and 250 wineries in Virginia, more than 40 of which are in Loudoun.
Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 250.  Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producer.  According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700 people and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis.  In addition, more than 1.6 million tourists visited Virginia wineries in 2013 according the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Virginia has been listed as one of the best wine travel destinations in numerous media outlets including Wine Enthusiast, USA Today, Food & Wine Magazine and the Washington Post, noting the state's picturesque landscapes and friendly winemakers set Virginia apart as an excellent wine destination.  Visit www.virginia.org/wine to learn more about wine travel in Virginia or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide to start planning a trip to Virginia.  LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.  For more information, please visitwww.virginia.org.
About Visit Loudoun                                                          
Visit Loudoun is the destination management organization for Loudoun County, Va., known as DC’s Wine Country®, located 25 miles from Washington, DC.  This not-for-profit organization develops and implements programs that promote tourism and travel to Loudoun and its towns, to increase visitation and generate visitor spending.  The organization showcases Virginia’s culinary and heritage assets, including award-winning wineries, horse country, scenic byways, and towns and villages steeped in history.  Visitwww.VisitLoudoun.org for more information

Governor McAuliffe Announces First Mid-Atlantic Commercial Hops Processing Operation

~ Loudoun County’s Black Hops Farm To Become Largest Hopsyard and Processing Facility in Commonwealth ~
Project Enhances Virginia’s Position in Fast Growing Craft Beer Industry
LEESBURG – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Black Hops Farm, LLC will initially convert 15 acres of former pasture land into a hops yard and build a new processing facility, thus becoming the largest hops yard in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic’s first commercial-scale hops production and processing facility.  The new Black Hops Farm facility will revolutionize the hops industry in Virginia, allowing hops growers to harvest and process efficiently their hops for market.  The new processing capacity will enable existing Virginia producers to move assuredly in expanding their production and will encourage new producers to enter the market by removing key barriers to the profitable production and marketing of local hops.  In addition to supporting current and prospective hops producers, the facility will benefit Virginia’s craft brewery industry as a whole by increasing the amount of hops produced in the state, as well as their quality and their ability to be used by a greater number of brewers. 
Speaking at Black Hops Farm about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am pleased to announce that Virginia, thanks to this important investment by Black Hops Farm, will be home to the first commercial-scale hops processing operation in the Mid-Atlantic region.  This is a significant win for the Commonwealth as it fills a critical need for current and future craft brewers and builds on my administration’s efforts to increase Virginia’s position in the fast growing craft beer industry.  In addition, this entrepreneurial venture is an excellent example of the important role that our diverse agricultural industry can and will play in my economic development strategic plan to build a New Virginia Economy.”
The company, providing important hops processing services for the entire region, will invest about $1 million, create 11 new jobs in Loudoun County, and source more than 60 percent of their hops from Virginia over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with Loudoun County and Black Hops Farm on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). 
“This one-of-a-kind facility in Loudoun County represents another step forward for Virginia as we become bigger players in the nation’s fast growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by more than 17 percent in 2013,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  “This project enhances the Commonwealth’s position in the industry, which had an economic impact of just under $625 million last year, by promoting the research and production of hops, a huge potential cash crop for our agricultural producers.”
Black Hops Farms will invest in the site improvements, buildings, and equipment needed to convert the former residence and horse farm into a commercial hops production and processing facility.  A key role for the new processing facility will be to provide hops for Commonwealth Gin, as it is one of the important botanicals used in the production, so it can eventually be a 100 percent Virginia-sourced spirit.
“We’re so excited to be playing a part in the growth of the hops industry in Virginia here in partnership with Loudoun County,” said Jonathan Staples of Black Hops Farm. “Our collaboration with Solomon Rose and Organarchy Hops from Maryland has already made this a regional hops project with the benefit of their skills, expertise, and knowledge of the industry.  The Governor’s leading role in projects as large as Stone in Richmond, to our facility in Lucketts, makes clear to us that the state is committed to being a major player in the beer and spirits world and has allowed us to accelerate this project by several years. With so many farmers already growing hops across the state, we’re hoping that we can play a part in making Virginia the hops capital of the East Coast.”
In supporting the AFID grant to Black Hops Farm, LLC, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Shawn Williams said, “This state-of-the-art hops processing facility will sustain the quality and function of Loudoun-grown hops past the harvest season and will set Loudoun as a premier grower of hops on the East Coast.  This type of agricultural business exactly fits the Board of Supervisors’ Rural Economy Business Development Strategy, and will contribute to the economic vibrancy of Loudoun County.”
Loudoun County Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer added, “The construction of this hops drying and pelletizing facility will support Loudoun’s emerging farm brewery sector, and strengthen the link between the county’s rural and urban economies. It will encourage more local entrepreneurs to grow hops, because having the ability to process them will expand the market for them. This is the catalyst that we need to increase agricultural production of hops in Loudoun County.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Loudoun County to secure this expansion for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved a $40,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist Loudoun County with the project.  Black Hops Farm is also committing to purchase at least 3,500 pounds of Virginia hops over the next three years, an average of 61% of their purchases.
According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.  More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s study can be found at http://www.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.
About the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
The AFID Fund was created during the 2012 session of the General Assembly and is being embraced by the McAuliffe Administration as an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia the leading exporter of agricultural and forest products on the East Coast.  More information about the AFID grant, which has the flexibility to assist projects large and small throughout Virginia, can be found at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml.

(Continuing the growth of corporate welfare against the wishes of the people.  Maybe it's time to stop funding the Governor's office.)

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces First Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grants of Administration

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Awards Support Strategic Expansion Effort in Essex, Further Growth Opportunity in Loudoun for Virginia’s Burgeoning Wine Industry ~


RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today the awarding of two planning grants from the Governor’s Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).  The two projects, one in Essex County and the other a partnership effort between the Town of Purcellville and Loudoun County, have been awarded a total of $34,500 to support the growth of agricultural and forestry projects in the Commonwealth. The AFID planning grant program encourages local governments to promote agriculture and forestry and incorporate the needs of these important industries into their economic development planning efforts.

Speaking about the planning grants being awarded to the localities, Governor McAuliffe said, “Job creation and expanded economic development are the chief priorities of my administration, and I plan to ensure that agriculture and forestry are a major part of our efforts to grow and diversify our economy” said Governor McAuliffe. “Supporting local efforts to strengthen these critical industries is an important component of my economic development strategy, and I applaud leadership in Essex County, Loudoun County, and the Town of Purcellville for exploring how their agricultural assets can be better utilized and grown for future job creation opportunities.”

The AFID planning grants program, funded annually at $250,000, was developed in 2012 to encourage local and regional governments to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their community’s overall economic development efforts.  The planning grants are part of the larger Governor’s AFID program, an economic development tool specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects.  AFID economic development grants are available for political subdivisions of the Commonwealth interested in growing their agriculture and forestry industries by strategically targeting for assistance those businesses that add value to Virginia grown agriculture and forestal products.   
                        
“The two projects are prime examples of what we hoped the AFID would do for localities interested in building on their agricultural and forestry economic assets,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore. “Essex County will utilize its grant funding to better incorporate agriculture and forestry into their strategic economic development growth plans, a primary goal of the AFID program.  AFID funds will be used by the Town of Purcellville, working in partnership with Loudoun County, to explore the creation of a possible viticulture and enology center, an excellent example of seeking new initiatives that can have lasting, positive impacts on a region’s agriculture and forestry sectors.”

Applications for AFID planning grants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year.  Successful funding requests must show a clear need to be addressed, a solution to be undertaken, demonstrate strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community, and be able to match each dollar requested with a dollar of local government funds, or allowable in-kind contributions. Localities interested in applying may visit http://vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/planning.shtml or contact Stephen Versen atstephen.versen@vdacs.virginia.gov or 804.786.6911 for more information.

Details on the two grant awards are below:

1.      Project Title:  Loudoun County Viticulture and Enology Education Center
Applicant:      Town of Purcellville
Award:           $17,500
Summary:      The Town of Purcellville, with the support of Loudoun County, and in conjunction with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), will conduct a feasibility study for the development of a viticultural and enology education center, using as a model the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture & Enology.  It would serve Virginia’s wine industry by training the next generation of wine makers and vineyard managers through certificate and degree programs. 


2.      Project Title: Developing a Roadmap for Agriculture and Forestry Industries in   Essex County                              
Applicant:      Essex County Industrial Development Authority
Award:           $17,000
Summary:      Through a competitive bidding process, the Essex County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is proposing to hire a contractor to work with an appointed Essex County Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and forestry industries within Essex County.  The effort will help the County promote and enhance the competitiveness of its agriculture and forestry industry.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Telos Corporation to Create 160 New Virginia Jobs

Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County
Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Leading cybersecurity company to invest $5 million in facility upgrade and renovation in Loudoun County
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Telos Corporation, a leading cybersecurity company, will invest $5 million in its operations in Loudoun County.  The company will undergo a major renovation to its headquarters facility and increase cybersecurity capacity, creating 160 new jobs over 36 months. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland for the project, and also retains 240 existing jobs.
“My top priority as governor is to grow and diversify Virginia’s economy and make Virginia a leader in 21st Century industries like cybersecurity,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am pleased that Virginia has retained Telos Corporation with this project and that such a major employer will add 160 new jobs here in the Commonwealth. Investing in a significant facility upgrade and increased cybersecurity capacity is a great testament to the assets Virginia has and Telos’ confidence in a long and successful future in the Commonwealth.”
Telos Corporation has provided innovative IT solutions and services to the government and commercial organizations for more than 30 years, focusing since 1997 on cybersecurity. The company’s solutions ensure that the most security-conscious organizations, including Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and financial services firms, comply with demanding information security mandates.
“Telos has long been committed to Loudoun’s economic development,” said Telos Chairman and CEO John B. Wood. “We’re pleased to continue to make our home in this vibrant business environment.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Loudoun County to secure the project for Virginia. Former Governor Bob McDonnell approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Loudoun County with the project. The company is also eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York said, “Not only is Telos an important business for Loudoun County, they’re also a very active community partner. Mr. Wood was a co-founder of the CEO Cabinet and a Past Chair of our Economic Development Commission, and the company has been at the lead of many initiatives from education to support for our military. I’m proud to say that Loudoun will continue to be the home for Telos for years to come.”
Loudoun County Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer said, “The cybersecurity industry in Loudoun County is poised to grow ten-fold over the next 10 years, and Telos is a leader in that arena. Loudoun has over 900 federal government contractors, and Telos has made the Washington Technology Top 100 Government Contractors list for the 10th year in a row.”
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Governor McDonnell Announces Agreement to Create New State Park in Loudoun County

Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County
Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
600 Acre Private Donation Applauded by Local and State Officials

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced that his administration has reached an agreement that will result in a 600-acre state park in Loudoun County.
    
“Thanks to the generosity of several outstanding Virginians, the state will be able to add a scenic new park to its award winning state park system,” Governor McDonnell said. “I want to commend Robert and Dee Leggett, whose foundation acquired land that became the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in Loudoun County and will benefit future generations as a Virginia State Park.”

Located in Western Loudoun County, the Old Dominion Land Conservancy of Purcellville has reached an agreement with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to donate 600 acres of woodlands and pasture to the Commonwealth for development of a state park. The conservancy received the land from the Leggett Foundation. The property includes historic farmsteads, deep woods and wildflower meadows, and borders the Appalachian Trail. Much of the land witnessed action of Mosby’s Rangers and others during the Civil War.

“Through the work of the Leggett Foundation and now the Old Dominion Land Conservancy, lands of both natural and historic significance have been preserved in an area of the state where such lands are rapidly disappearing,” said McDonnell. “Because of their most recent efforts many of these lands will be available to future generations as a Virginia State Park.”

The ODLC has signed agreements with the Commonwealth to donate the land for use as a state park. The transaction giving the Commonwealth final ownership is expected to close later this year.

“This is an exciting development that will benefit Virginians and visitors to Virginia forever,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resource Doug Domenech. “Having lived in Loudoun County for 16 years, I know firsthand how important this Park will be to many individuals, organizations, and officials in Loudoun County.”

“I want to thank Secretary Domenech and the staff at State Parks, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Governor for all their work to make this happen,” said Bob Leggett.  “I have enjoyed this land for a long time and now I am pleased to share it with the people of the state.”

Delegate Dave LaRock, who represents the district in which the parkland is located, said “I’m excited about this new parkland being made available and thankful for the Leggett’s generosity and Governor McDonnell and Secretary Domenech’s efforts to bring this to pass. This Park will be a great addition to Western Loudoun's already-vibrant winery and tourism industries.”

“As a Loudoun County Scoutmaster, I have had the opportunity to spend many campout weekends at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship enjoying its wonderful and scenic attributes,” said Delegate Randy Minchew (R-10th).  “Now, as our newest Virginia State Park, this land will provide our citizens with both active and passive recreation opportunities and an beautiful venue for conservation education and environmental stewardship training. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I join Governor McDonnell and Secretary Domenech in thanking Bob and Dee Leggett for their generosity and leadership.”

“As a lifelong outdoorsman who grew up in the Everglades of Florida, I have a fine appreciation for State Parks,” said Dick Black, Senator of Virginia's 13th District.  “I want to thank Governor McDonnell and Robert and Dee Leggett for their fine work in acquiring such a beautiful tract of land for public enjoyment.  Such a beautiful addition to our state park system will certainly add to the tourism industry in Northern Virginia.”

“The significance of this new state park is immense.  This park will be a jewel to Loudoun County, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation” said Supervisor Geary M. Higgins, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.  “From a historical perspective alone, Governor McDonnell has preserved a considerable piece of history as this land includes the route Mosby’s Rangers took to attack the federal camp of Cole’s Cavalry one-hundred and fifty years ago on January 10, 1864.  I commend Governor McDonnell and Secretary Domenech for the foresight to create this park that will be enjoyed not only by residents of Loudoun County but by many future generations.” 

“The announcement of this new park is very exciting news for us in Loudoun County and the region,” said Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York.  “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I would like to thank Governor McDonnell for his continued support of preservation efforts, economic development and transportation funding in Loudoun County.  Additionally, I’d like to thank Secretary Domenech for all of his hard work on this project that presented many challenges along the way.  Through his guidance and perseverance, we have been blessed with this generous gift of land from the Leggett Foundation.”  

Virginia has 36 state parks open for the public. This new property will join state lands in Stafford, Shenandoah, Gloucester, Henry and Albemarle counties that are in various stages of development as future state parks. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, who manage the state park system, will work to develop master plans for the Loudoun County property once acquisition is completed. They will then develop timelines for future development.

Virginia State Parks host more than eight million visits per year with an annual economic impact to the surrounding communities of approximately $206 million. State parks help local economies generate more than $12 for every $1 of general fund money allocated to state parks in the state budget.
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Monday, October 28, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces VDOT, Loudoun, and Airports Authority Partner to Widen Route 606

The main toll plaza of the Dulles Greenway
The main toll plaza of the Dulles Greenway (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
$106 million, five-mile widening begins in 2014


DULLES - At a ceremony this morning the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Loudoun County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) celebrated their partnership to jointly fund and deliver widening Route 606, a critical commuter link between Route 50, the Dulles Greenway, and Route 28 in Loudoun County.

            Speaking about the project, Governor McDonnell remarked, “This partnership will make Route 606 safer and ensure that motorists and commuters reach their destinations more quickly. Once complete, it will mean easier, less congested commutes for Virginians on a vital transportation link.”

“The need for added capacity and safety improvements on Route 606 is clear,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton. “This partnership project will ensure the road can handle current and future traffic volumes, and provide easy access to Dulles Airport, the future Route 606 Metro station, the Dulles North Transit Center as well as the Sterling, Herndon, and Ashburn business centers.”

Under the partnership, VDOT will contribute about $40.5 million, Loudoun County, approximately $41.2 million; and MWAA, about $24.4 million. Subject to approval by its Board of Directors, MWAA will contribute 56 acres of land, valued at approximately $12 million, on which most of the widening would take place. The total cost of the project is $106.1 million.

“Improving Route 606 will enhance transportation options for commuters, business and visitors,” said MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter. “This project will help bring opportunities to all residents and businesses in the area, including the airport.”

“Securing funding to widen Route 606 has been one of my top priorities during my first term in Richmond,” said Delegate David Ramadan (87th District).  “As a key component of the Dulles Loop, 606 plays a vital role in the region's economy.  I'm pleased to see cooperation between VDOT, Loudoun County, and MWAA on this important project, which will benefit Loudoun commuters and Dulles Airport.”

“I’m extremely happy that we are able to move forward with this project to improve Route 606,” said Chairman Scott K. York of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.  “Route 606, which is a bottleneck now, is a vital link that connects the Dulles South communities with the northern part of the county. Improvement of this road from two lanes to four lanes will be a tremendous relief to both commuters and business that depend on this route on a daily bases.”   Chairman York added, “I want to thank both the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Washington Airport’s Authority for partnering with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, thus making it possible to move forward with construction.”

Dulles District residents and businesses have been plagued for years by severe congestion on Route 606,” said Loudoun County Supervisor Matt Letourneau.  “This project will bring much-needed relief to my constituents who spend far too much time on this road.  Widening 606 was identified as the top transportation priority by the Board of Supervisors, and I'm eager to get this project underway and thankful for the support of Loudoun's partners on the project.”

Route 606 will be reconstructed and widened from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway for 5.3 miles, from Evergreen Mills Road to the Dulles Greenway. Work also includes:

·         Acquisition of 43 parcels
·         Major utility relocations
·         Signalized intersections and turn lanes
·         A 256-foot-long twin-decked bridge over the Horsepen Dam spillway
·         Improvements to Horsepen Dam
·         Nine storm water management ponds
·         Major drainage structures for Cabin Branch

Construction will begin in fall 2014 and take nearly three years to complete.

Route 606 currently handles about three times the volume of traffic considered acceptable. Based on pavement width, shoulders and sight distance, an acceptable traffic volume for Route 606 is 6,700 vehicles a day. Traffic counts in 2011 were 21,500 and are expected to grow to 35,250 a day by 2036. 

From 2007 to the end of 2010, a total of 158 accidents were reported on Route 606 between Evergreen Mills Road and the Dulles Greenway. That number increased by 49 percent in 2010. This indicates that road conditions on Route 606 are not designed for the high volume of traffic, resulting in unsafe conditions.

Planning for the widening of the Route 606 corridor has been ongoing since the early 1990’s. Route 606 was widened between Route 50 and Route 621 in 2003. The project is part of the planned “Dulles Loop” an 18-mile loop that would circle Dulles Airport by improving portions of Route 50, Route 606, and Route 28.
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