ICYMI: Vindman Presents Culpeper County and Town of Culpeper Police Department with More Than $1 Million in Federal Community Project Funding

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, February 28, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined local officials and law enforcement officers in Culpeper to celebrate $1,095,000 in federal community project funding he secured to support infrastructure and public safety improvements in Culpeper County and the Town of Culpeper.

The first investment - $850,000 for Culpeper County - will fund the long-awaited extension of Simms Drive to improve access to Pearl Sample Elementary School and A.G. Richardson Elementary School. Currently, both schools are served by Simms Drive, a dead-end road off James Madison Highway, where heavy congestion during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up creates significant delays and safety concerns. Extending Simms Drive will create a more efficient traffic pattern, ease bottlenecks, improve emergency vehicle access, and reduce commuting burdens for students, families, and nearby residents. Photos from the presentation can be found here.

The second investment - $245,000 for the Town of Culpeper Police Department - will support the installation of solar-powered Emergency Call Boxes throughout the Culpeper Trail Network, a system of walking trails connecting neighborhoods to downtown Culpeper. The call boxes will provide direct, one-touch access to emergency services and will include integrated security camera monitoring capabilities. Strategically placed along the trail system, the boxes will enhance response times, improve situational awareness, and strengthen overall public safety for residents and visitors. Photos from the presentation can be found here.

"I was proud to secure more than $1 million in federal funding to invest in key infrastructure and public safety projects in Culpeper," said Vindman. "From easing traffic congestion to equipping law enforcement with key resources, these targeted investments respond directly to local needs. My team and I worked closely with county and town leaders to deliver this funding, and I'm grateful for their partnership in making our community safer and more accessible."

"These emergency call boxes strategically placed throughout the Culpeper trail network will improve connectivity for residents and visitors seeking support or aid," said Culpeper Police Department Chief Chris Settle. "This investment empowers our department and emergency services by enhancing public safety, improving communication during emergencies, and helping reduce response times when assistance is needed most. The town appreciates Congressman Vindman's efforts in securing these community funds."

"The Simms Drive Extension is a significant public safety project for the community, specifically the elementary school campuses of AG Richardson and Pearl Sample. Currently, there is a singular access point on primary Route 15. The project will allow for a much-needed secondary access point for both schools. This investment strengthens our infrastructure and supports responsible growth in Culpeper County," said Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Gary Deal. "We are grateful for Congressman Vindman's effort to procure $850,000 in federal funds for this very important school project."

Vindman was joined by Deputy Police Chief Nick White, Mayor Frank Reaves, Vice Chair Gary Deal, Culpeper County Superintendent Dr. Anthony Brads, and Culpeper Police Department officers.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia's Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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