Town of Herndon lands $720k federal grant to develop comprehensive plan for 2050

The Town of Herndon’s comprehensive plan for 2050 received a big funding boost from the U.S. Department of Transportation this week.

In a release on Monday (June 26), Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced the town received $720,000 in funding from the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program (RAISE).

The funds will be used to develop the town’s comprehensive plan, called Herndon 2050. The town was one of five Virginia localities to receive grants from the more than $38 million allocated in federal infrastructure investment.

“The town’s receipt of this RAISE grant is a testament to our staff’s expertise and ability to successfully compete and prevail in highly competitive grant environments,” Town Manager William H. Ashton II said in a news release. “This award will provide significant financial assistance in achieving the town’s goals.”

The grant allows the town to proceed with developing the plan, which will guide transportation, land use, environment, housing, economic development and capital improvement issues over 25 years.

Community Development Director Lisa Gilleran said the funds are integral to completing the plan.

“The Comprehensive Plan is an important planning tool for our community,” said Gilleran. “One of our goals will be to develop this plan through the lens of equity to ensure that all residents, visitors, employers, and employees in the town live, work, and recreate in an environment that is conducive to their safety, success, and well-being.”

Once the process begins, it’s expected to take between one to three years to complete. The town will work with the public on Herndon 2050, which will include an economic development component and comprehensive plan implementation guide for the first time.

The overall project is expected to cost $900,000. The grant funding application states that the plan will incorporate active transportation projects, job diversification, metrics to reduce vehicle emissions, and inclusive economic development opportunities.

The town intends to put out an request for proposals in July, with a consultant under contract by September, according to town spokesperson Anne Curtis.