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Fairfax council sets Jan. 13 public hearing after introducing $4.6M supplemental Transform 66 funding for George Snyder Trail
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Summary
Council introduced a supplemental appropriation of $4.6 million in Transform 66 concessionaire funds to close a budget gap on the George Snyder Trail project and set a public hearing for Jan. 13, 2026. The introduction passed 3–2 with one abstention amid strong public opposition on tree loss, design and rising costs.
The Fairfax City Council on Dec. 9 introduced a supplemental appropriation resolution to request an additional $4.6 million in Transform 66 (outside the Beltway) concessionaire funding for the George Snyder Trail (GST) project and set a public hearing for Jan. 13, 2026.
Chief Financial Officer JC Martinez said the city had previously been awarded $20.6 million for the project but recent construction bids exceeded the remaining $16 million budget; the estimated cost to complete the project (including contingencies, construction management and VDOT oversight) requires roughly $4.6 million more. The city requested the funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), which recommended it to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) for final approval; CTB action is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026.
Council members emphasized this evening's action is procedural: the introduction enables a public hearing in January rather than constituting a final appropriation. After discussion, a motion to introduce the supplemental appropriation, waive first reading and set a Jan. 13 public hearing passed by roll call: the motion passed 3 to 2 with 1 abstention.
The proposal drew robust public comment. Multiple residents said they oppose the current GST design and expressed concern about tree removal, environmental effects and the trail's paved, leveled design that they described as a "road" rather than a neighborhood trail. One public speaker who said they reviewed FOIA and NVTA documents, Susan Kyler, told the council her review and counsel concluded the GST does not meet criteria requiring repayment of concession funds if the project is canceled. Others pressed the council about long‑term maintenance costs, alternative trail designs (packed gravel, following land contours) and whether the recently increased bids reflect project scope changes or schedule delays.
City staff and councilmembers said canceling the project would have financial consequences and that the introduction preserves the public's opportunity to comment in January while the funding request proceeds through regional review.
