ON THE Agenda

continued from page 4 a Dulles South elementary school ES-32, Watson Mountain Middle School, replacing the Valley Service Center, and school security improvements.

Through the Economic Development Authority the county has also sold $37.2 million of public facility revenue bonds with a true interest cost of 3.24%, receiving $4.7 million of premium used to downsize the par amount of the bonds. Eight bidders submitted offers for the bonds

Proceeds from that bond sale will finance county and capital projects like renovations to the Loudoun County Government Center, work at the courts complex, and school bus replacements.

The county retains triple-triple-A credit ratings on its general obligation bonds, and AA+/Aa1/AA+ ratings on its appropriation-backed bonds issued through the EDA. More information is at loudoun.gov/bondratings.

Loudoun Programs Wins NACo Recognition

Four Loudoun County programs have been recognized with 2023 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties, or NACo.

One went to Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park, which opened in September 2022 on 257 acres after a years-long effort. It includes a tournament-level disc golf course, Loudoun’s first-ever specifically designed and designated cricket pitch, and two stadiums designed to host regional and statewide tournaments. It also includes 17 lighted athletic fields and more than 75 acres of passive recreational space.

The Department of Economic Development created the Loudoun Farm Exchange to fill a supply chain gap among rural producers, seeking to keep money in the county by connecting local rural products and services. It offers in-person networking and a digital marketplace.

The Loudoun County Pre-K Skill Builders is a self-paced program offered by Loudoun County Public Library, designed to strengthen preschoolers’ school readiness skills, which research has shown to be underdeveloped as a result of pandemic challenges. Children and caregivers do activities focused on early literacy and math concepts, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional awareness.

Both children and adults develop also confidence and form relationships with others in the community.

And a fourth award went to the Department of Family Services’ annual financial assistance for children to attend local summer camps. The department moved from paper-based applications to cloud applications, fully digitizing the application process, streamlining it and offering more flexibility and control internally.

More information is online at loudoun.gov/awards.

FAA Holding Airport Noise Hearings

The Federal Aviation Administration is holding webinars about aircraft noise as it conducts a nationwide review of its noise policy.

A press release from Loudoun County notes those webinars are happening as the county government is seeking to engage the FAA about noise concerns west of Dulles International Airport. According to the county press release, the FAA has acknowledged Loudoun’s request and is preparing a response.

The FAA is reviewing policy around recreational and commercial fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, commercial space transportation vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems, and emerging technology vehicles.

The last webinar is scheduled for Thursday, May 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit faa.gov/noisepolicyreview. n

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