HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Mount Vernon District's supervisors is seeking support from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on undergrounding utilities along Richmond Highway.
Supervisor Dan Storck has been advocating for moving electric, fiber, cable and phone lines underground in conjunction with the Richmond Highway widening and Bus Rapid Transit projects. Storck pointed to the impacts of climate becoming warmer and producing stronger storms.
"We all know this leads to more power outages, traffic disruptions, fires, injuries and even death, particularly in our most vulnerable neighborhoods," Storck wrote in his latest Mount Vernon District newsletter.
The supervisor believes undergrounded utilities will improve reliability, positively impact property values and improve the appearance of roadways. Chairman Jeff McKay and Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who have represented part of the Richmond Highway corridor, also support funding for undergrounding utilities.
The estimated cost of undergrounding utilities along Richmond Highway would be $100 million if completed during utility relocation amid the widening and Bus Rapid Transit projects. The Virginia Department of Transportation's widening project web page states construction could begin as soon as 2025, pending funding.
On the Mount Vernon District webpage, Storck has outlined the option of undergrounding utility funding through a Reliable Utilities/Undergrounding Reserve or Fund. One source could be redevelopment proffers, where a property owner would be responsible for undergrounding utilities or putting costs into the undergrounding reserve or fund. This would happen if the county's comprehensive plan requires undergrounding as part of a redevelopment. Another source of funding could be a electric utility per meter surcharge. The county could also consider budget carryover funds or other funding sources.
The scope of the fund could go beyond Richmond Highway, as Storck highlighted potential for future projects on other major roadways around Fairfax County.
The Board of Supervisors' Economic Initiatives Committee will review the Reliable Utilities/Undergrounding Reserve and Richmond Highway-specific information on July 26 at 3 p.m. If board members express interest, the matter could move to full board consideration.
Residents may share feedback on utility undergrounding at ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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