NOVA-TRAC Attends Loudoun Delegation Hearing & Meets With State Leaders
Executive Director Ryan Jones and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Sebastian Buryniuk with State Senator Kannan Srinivasan at the Loudoun Delegation Pre-Session Legislative Hearing.
NOVA-TRAC board members and volunteers recently attended the Loudoun Delegation Pre-Session Legislative Hearing, sharing our vision for Rail-with-Trail on the W&OD corridor. We addressed the full Loudoun legislative delegation, calling for a state-led feasibility study during the current legislative session. An independent state-lead feasibility study would objectively analyze the costs, benefits, and impacts of the plan, allowing residents, businesses and elected leaders to understand what the proposal could look like, how many people it could serve, the potential economic benefits, and the investments required to preserve and improve the trail.
Following the hearing, we spoke individually with Senator Kannan Srinivasan, who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee and closely follows regional and state-wide transit developments. We also spoke with Senator Russet Perry, the Senior Senator for Loudoun, who represents Leesburg, Purcellville and Hamilton, three of the communities that would be directly served by this project. Last of all, we spoke with Delegate John McAuliff, the newly elected delegate who represents Purcellville and Hamilton.
Executive Director Ryan Jones and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Sebastian Buryniuk with State Senator Russet Perry and her District Director, Oriella Mejia at the Loudoun Delegation Pre-Session Legislative Hearing.
These initial conversations led to follow-up meetings with each of their offices. During those meetings, walked through the details of our Rail-with-Trail plan: How it would work, high-level technical considerations, and the investments needed to maintain the trail. The legislators and their staff engaged thoughtfully with the proposal and emphasized the importance of improving transportation options in their districts. While no formal commitments or public statements were made, the discussions were constructive and encouraging, and we appreciate the openness with which they approached our advocacy.
As we here at NOVA-TRAC continue to grow our coalition of residents, businesses and community groups, these conversations are an important early step. To win a feasibility study, we will continue our work of public engagement, building regional support and working with local and state leaders. We look forward to continuing these discussions and ensuring that Loudoun County’s transportation future includes investments in frequent, reliable and sustainable transportation that complement and preserve the W&OD trail.
