For Second Straight Year, I-66 EMP Sponsors PWCCF’s Back-To-School Event
66 Express Outside the Beltway Operator Contributes $5,000 To Provide Backpacks, Supplies, and Resources to Kids Throughout Prince William County
Manassas, Va. April, 7, 2025 – At a check presentation held today, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) – the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway – officially re-upped as a Silver Sponsor of the Prince William County Community Foundation’s (PWCCF) Back-To-School Community Event, held in partnership with Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS).
For the second year in a row, the Manassas-headquartered roadway operator provided PWCCF with a donation of $5,000 to help the foundation acquire backpacks, school supplies, and other resources that boost local students’ readiness for the 2025-’26 academic year.
Held annually since 2021, PWCCF’s Back-To-School Community Event connects thousands of local students to much-needed resources, setting them on course for classroom success. More than 6,000 local students were provided with supplies during the 2024 event, and the foundation anticipates some 7,000 community members participating in this year’s event, which is slated for August 2 at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge.
“Just like last year, we’re very pleased to welcome I-66 EMP as a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Back-To-School Community Event, helping prepare students for a successful school year,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president and CEO of PWCCF. “As a multi-year sponsor of this important event, I-66 EMP serves as an excellent representation of our motto, ‘Live local, give local.’ We’re grateful for their continued commitment to supporting the students of Prince William County, year after year.”
Through its long-term partnerships with PWCCF as well as SPARK, the educational foundation for PWCPS, I-66 EMP remains a steadfast supporter of children and education in Prince William County. Last year, the roadway operator contributed $3,000 to PWCCF’s Combating Hunger On Wheels (CHOW) Wagon program to provide nutritious meals to children throughout the county.
“Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference in a young person’s success. So if we can help a student achieve their potential by providing a backpack or some supplies, we’re more than happy to help,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “We greatly admire the dedicated work of Dr. Gattis and the entire PWCCF organization, and we’re proud to support the Back-To-School Community Event again this year.”
About Prince William County Community Foundation, Inc.:
Founded in 2018 by president and CEO Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, the Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for PWC residents through initiatives focused on healthcare, education, well-being, and food security. PWCCF operates various programs, including scholarships, micro-grants, the C.H.O.W. Wagon initiative, and a Back-To-School community event providing vaccinations and supplies to improve school readiness. More about PWCCF can be found at www.PWCCFoundation.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
Partnering for Progress: 66 Express Community Spotlight
Highlighting Local Organizations Driving Positive Change in the Region
Boxes of Basics
Providing Clothes (and Confidence) for Prince William’s Kids
Few things make a child feel better than going to school dressed in new, clean, good-looking clothing. That’s what makes the work that Boxes of Basics does so important: Because they help kids feel good about themselves.
Boxes of Basics is a Manassas-based nonprofit founded in 2018 by Sarah Tyndall, a local mom of two. She recognized the magnitude of clothing insecurity among schoolchildren across Prince William County – and the detrimental effect that clothing insecurity has on kids’ self-esteem – and decided to do something about it.
The impact of Boxes of Basics grew quickly. In that first year, the nonprofit packed 43 boxes of clothing, books, and personal hygiene supplies for local kids. By 2021, that number grew tenfold to 450 and has shot up every year since, to 2,185 boxes packed in 2024 – a 54% increase over the previous year.
Those boxes were packed courtesy of 1,473 volunteers dedicating 3,560 hours with Boxes of Basics, allowing the organization to benefit students at 91 schools throughout Fairfax, Fauquier, and Prince William Counties, and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
And while supporting local children in need, Boxes of Basics’ work in 2024 also prevented more than 29,000 pounds of clothing from getting dumped at our local landfills, which gives those clothes a new life and helps protect our environment.
The positive impact that Boxes of Basics makes within our community continues to grow. In late 2023, Boxes of Basics christened a new, larger warehouse and distribution facility in Manassas. As 2025 begins, the nonprofit is seeking to expand operations to help more schoolkids in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Driving Positive Change Together
A consistent supporter of the organization’s mission, I-66 EMP has been an annual Silver Sponsor since Boxes of Basics debuted its corporate sponsorship program in 2023.
In March of 2025, I-66 EMP stepped up to sponsor the organization’s annual fundraising gala, Dueling Keys for a Cause. The following month, the 66 Express operator provided a $5,000 contribution to support Boxes of Basics’ mission to provide clothing and supplies to Prince William County’s kids in need.
Beyond financial support, I-66 EMP holds annual winter clothing drives to benefit Boxes of Basics and the kids they help. Through three drives held between 2022 and 2024, I-66 EMP amassed approximately 400 articles of winter clothing to suit local boys and girls of all ages and sizes.
Our employees have also taken time to volunteer for Boxes of Basics. As of January 2025, I-66 EMP has contributed more than 50 in-kind volunteering hours since the community partnership began, packing hundreds of boxes to be given to children throughout the region.
“We chose Boxes of Basics as one of our first community partners because of the incredible work Sarah and her team do, and the amazing impact they create,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “Boxes of Basics is a pivotal not-for-profit charitable organization serving our region, and we look forward to supporting their mission well into the future.”
Since Boxes of Basics was founded, the organization has quickly become a true pillar of the community, serving the needs of disadvantaged schoolchildren throughout Prince William County and beyond.
“We’re immensely grateful to everyone who’s stepped up in support of our mission to provide clothing for local kids in need, and we’re especially grateful to receive such constant support from our friends at I-66 Express Mobility Partners,” Boxes of Basics executive director Sarah Tyndall said. “We’re delighted to have established a long-term partnership with I-66 EMP, because it’s the kids of our community who get the benefits.”
I-66 EMP Continues Work with Pink Space Theory To “Make Tech Pink”
66 Express Operator Collaborates with Local Female Students for Latest Hands-On Activity Promoting STEM Education
Manassas, Va. February 24, 2025 – The transportation infrastructure of the future is being designed by the students of today.
As part of its ongoing partnership with Pink Space Theory, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) – the consortium that operates and maintains the 66 Express Outside the Beltway – visited Swans Creek Elementary School on Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day to celebrate the accomplishments of students in the Make Tech Pink program. The event featured a Highway Interchange Design workshop, where students showcased their winter session STEM projects before working alongside I-66 EMP engineers and analysts to explore key concepts of roadway design, including traffic flow, and structural planning.
This workshop builds on previous STEM initiatives between I-66 EMP and Pink Space Theory, including a Snowplow Design field trip held in November 2024 at I-66 EMP’s Manassas office. During that session, students from three Prince William County elementary schools designed their own snowplows and learned how STEM principles apply to winter road maintenance.
I-66 EMP has demonstrated its commitment to STEM education by supporting Pink Space Theory through both engagement and financial contributions, including a $6,500 donation in August 2024 to further the nonprofit’ s mission of empowering young girls in science and technology fields.
“We’re very pleased to work with I-66 EMP again to encourage girls to consider careers in science and technology,” said Monica Nichols, founding president and CEO of Pink Space Theory. “I know our students have learned a lot from these workshops. We believe we’re creating the next generation of engineers right here.”
Looking ahead, I-66 EMP plans to expand its STEM outreach efforts, with additional collaborative events.
“Supporting STEM education has always been one of the main pillars of our community partnerships,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “That’s why we’re so fortunate to have Pink Space Theory as a strong community partner, so that together we can provide encouragement and support to girls interested in STEM learning.”
About Pink Space Theory:
As a mobile maker-space providing hands-on, 21st-century learning experiences, Pink Space Theory creates space for students to love learning about the subjects of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Pink Space Theory operates more than a half-dozen programs designed to inspire, train, and transform under-represented and under-served students to become the next generation of high-tech leaders. For more information and to enroll in Pink Space Theory’s programs, visit www.PinkSpaceTheory.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
Teen Driver Safety, Food Security, and STEM Education: 66 Express Outside the Beltway Reflects on 2024’s Community Impact and Looks Ahead to 2025
As we begin another year, we reflect on the impacts we’ve made with our community partners in 2024—strengthening communities, supporting families, and creating opportunities for a brighter future. Through partnerships with dedicated nonprofits, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) has helped address food insecurity, expand access to education, promote teen driver safety, and support our nation’s heroes.
Our mission extends beyond providing reliable travel on the 66 Express Lanes. A portion of all revenue generated from the lanes goes directly toward supporting these initiatives, meaning every trip taken contributes to making Northern Virginia a better place to live and work. In 2024, that commitment translated into significant contributions of funding, volunteer hours, and resources to causes that matter most.
Fighting Hunger and Providing Essentials
Hunger is a challenge that no child or family should face alone. This year, we worked alongside food banks and community organizations to ensure families had access to fresh, nutritious meals. From equipping food pantries with necessary resources to assembling meal packs for students across the region, we’ve helped fight food security for thousands across Prince William and Fairfax counties.
Beyond food, we also focused on providing children with the essentials they need to thrive. Partnering with organizations dedicated to clothing distribution, we helped give kids confidence by ensuring they had warm clothing for winter and everyday essentials to feel secure and ready to learn.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM
In today’s technology-driven world, investing in STEM education means investing in the future. I-66 EMP has been a proud supporter of hands-on learning experiences, from funding classroom grants and scholarships to creating opportunities for young minds to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
This year, we expanded our impact with new initiatives, including a large donation towards the goal of purchasing a mobile STEM lab for Prince William County schools and an immersive field trips where students could see real-world applications of engineering and transportation technology. Encouraging young learners—especially young girls—to pursue STEM careers remains a key focus of our community outreach.
Honoring Our Heroes and Keeping Communities Safe
Supporting those who serve—whether in the military, law enforcement, or emergency response—has always been at the heart of #66GivesBack. Through volunteer work at veteran retreats and participation in events honoring military, veterans, first responders, and their families, we stood by the brave men and women who protect our communities.
We also continued our efforts to promote road safety, especially among young drivers. Partnering with experts in driver education, we brought interactive programs to local high schools, helping teens build awareness about the risks of distracted driving and the importance of responsible road habits.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 was a year of meaningful impact, the work is never done. I-66 EMP remains dedicated to strengthening Northern Virginia through collaboration, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships.
As we kick off 2025, we look forward to another year of community engagement—because when we work together, we create lasting change.
#66GivesBack
Revolutionizing Mobility: The Success of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway
The 66 Express Outside the Beltway project marks a major milestone with two full years in operation, transforming transportation along one of Northern Virginia’s busiest corridors. Spanning 22.5 miles from the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County to Gainesville in Prince William County, this innovative toll-managed lane system has redefined how people, goods, and services move along I-66. Combining three rebuilt general-purpose lanes with two new dynamically tolled express lanes in each direction, the project offers a faster, more reliable travel option for commuters, businesses, and mass transit users.
The benefits of the 66 Express are undeniable. For drivers who choose to benefit from the new express lanes, average travel times along the corridor have dropped by 54%, with most trips now taking less than 20 minutes, while even drivers in the general-purpose lanes have experienced improved travel conditions. The express lanes provide toll-free access for mass transit, motorcycles, and vehicles carrying three or more passengers (HOV 3+), ensuring greater accessibility for all travelers along the corridor.
This transformative project was made possible through a private investment exceeding $4 billion dollars put forth by I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), a consortium of global infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG, in partnership with VDOT. This funding covered the design and construction of the entire corridor and included $579 million in upfront funding for local transportation improvements and transit services during construction. I-66 EMP has also committed $350 million (in 2016 net present value) to support future local transportation improvements along the corridor before the end of its contract term in 2066. Additionally, I-66 EMP has committed to support ongoing mass transit capital and operating needs. By the close of it’s 50-year contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia, I-66 EMP will have invested more than $1.5 billion mass-transit improvements along the corridor.
The 66 Express has also delivered substantial economic benefits. From the start of construction in 2017 to the project’s completion in 2022, it generated an estimated $4.9 billion in economic impact for Northern Virginia and created 26,300 full-time equivalent jobs, according to a recent Steer report. These returns were achieved without any cost to Virginia taxpayers, showcasing the power of innovative public-private partnerships.
Multi-modal enhancements have been a cornerstone of the 66 Express project, which goes beyond improving roadways to address the broader needs of the community. The project reconstructed or modified 12 interchanges along the corridor, enhancing safety and operational efficiency of the general-purpose lanes, and added auxiliary lanes to ease merging at closely spaced interchanges. Dedicated ramps provide seamless access to the express lanes, while over 18 miles of new shared-use paths, including the 11-mile 66 Parallel Trail, offer new options for cyclists and pedestrians. The addition of two park-and-ride facilities in Prince William County has created over 4,000 parking spaces, supporting carpooling and transit users. Furthermore, median space has been reserved for future transit expansion, ensuring that the corridor remains adaptable to growing regional needs.
Drivers also benefit from the 66 Express’s commitment to safety and reliability. As part of this commitment, I-66 EMP offers free roadside assistance, accessible by calling #77, for drivers needing help with flat tires, dead batteries, or running out of gas. In addition, EMP manages dedicated fleets for incident response, weather preparedness, and snow removal. This ensures the express lanes remain operational under all conditions while allowing VDOT to allocate its resources to other priorities.
With its combination of impoved travel options, multi-modal infrastructure, significant economic impact, and no taxpayer burden, the 66 Express Outside the Beltway stands as a model of successful public-private collaboration. This transformative project continues to benefit drivers, businesses, and the broader community, ensuring a stronger and more connected future for Northern Virginia.
66 Express operator provides over $100M To improve Northern Virginia’s mass-transit infrastructure
$100M investment transforms travel options for Northern Virginia commuters
Featuring a plethora of game-changing multi-modal transportation options, the I-66 corridor west of the Capital Beltway has been transformed to benefit Northern Virginia commuters no matter where they go — or how they get there.
As part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project, the I-66 corridor now features a series of multi-modal improvements funded by the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP). The consortium of global infrastructure companies Cintra, Meridiam and APG is investing over $4 billion in private funds to bring reliable transportation options that move more people more efficiently, to effectively unlock the busy I-66 corridor for everyone, whether they drive or take public transit.
As part of this investment since 2020, I-66 EMP has provided more than $100 million in direct funding to support ongoing public transit operations and capital investments along the I-66 Outside the Beltway corridor.
I-66 EMP will continue making annual mass-transit subsidy payments increasing each year throughout the 50-year term of the public/private partnership (P3) agreement between I-66 EMP and the Commonwealth, which ends in 2066. By the close of the contract term I-66 EMP will have invested more than $1.5 billion in mass-transit improvements along the corridor.
Transit investments making positive impacts
Investments made by I-66 EMP are dedicated to enhancing mass-transit infrastructure in the region, with funding allocated to support various initiatives aimed at improving commuter options and reducing congestion along the I-66 corridor. These investments, made in the form of annual mass-transit subsidy payments, contribute to programs that expand public transit services, making commuting more efficient and accessible for residents. A key component of this effort is the I-66 Commuter Choice Program, which benefits from these funds to offer enhanced transportation alternatives that promote sustainability and ease of travel for daily commuters.
Improvements made possible by these investments are already visible. Funding provided by I-66 EMP has enabled Fairfax Connector to acquire eight new buses and create five new commuter routes in the corridor, while OmniRide has acquired nine new commuter coaches.
There’s more to come. As of July 2024, a total of $21.5 million had been approved for I-66 Commuter Choice Program projects scheduled for implementation in fiscal year 2025-2026, with much of the funding stemming from I-66 Express Mobility Partners’ annual mass-transit subsidy payments.
According to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, (NVTC), these Commuter Choice projects are expected to result in a myriad of benefits, such as 21 million fewer vehicle miles driven each year, 250,000 hours of delay time saved each year, a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to driving individual cars, and $2.6 million in fuel-cost savings for commuters each year.
Beyond I-66 EMP’s investment in local mass transit, the roadway operator provided the Commonwealth with an up-front concession-fee payment of $579 million as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project. The concession-fee payment has funded a variety of infrastructure improvements throughout the I-66 corridor, including a new maintenance and storage facility in Prince William County to accommodate the Potomac & Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s expanded Omniride bus fleet, and a $43 million commuter garage and transit center near the 66 Express on Monument Drive next to Fairfax Corner, which opened in June 2024.
That transit center is immediately adjacent to the 66 Express and features 820 parking spaces, eight bus bays, a pick-up and drop-off area and new racks and storage for bicycles. Plus, it provides concurrent access to new and re-routed Fairfax Connector routes that take advantage of toll-free travel on the 66 Express.
“The goal of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project has always been about moving more people and with the 66 Express we can do so more effectively and reliably,” said Luis Tejerina, CEO of I-66 EMP. “We’re thrilled to have made such a positive impact on the region’s transit infrastructure, allowing public transportation agencies in Fairfax and Prince William to better serve commuters and get them where they need to go.
Transit experts talk impacts of I-66 EMP’s investments
The story of I-66 EMP’s transit investment isn’t only told by expected benefits. There’s tangible proof of positive impacts on commuters in NVTC’s annual report on the I-66 Commuter Choice Program from 2023.
That year saw record levels of transit ridership since the Commuter Choice Program’s inception in 2017. That means more daily trips, more time saved and less paying for gas at the pump.
The report also states that Fairfax Connector and Prince William’s OmniRide “benefited from more reliable travel and saved up to 15 minutes compared to their prior travel times, a level of savings that plays a significant factor in attracting new transit riders.”
Regarding OmniRide routes from western Prince William in particular, “travel times are 15 to 20 minutes shorter and much more reliable…since the opening of the [66 Express Outside the Beltway].”
The current chair of NVTC and Arlington County Supervisor Matt de Ferranti took note of the positive impacts made by I-66 EMP’s transit investments, stating, “I-66 Express Mobility Partners, through its partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, is providing much-needed funding for additional buses and transit connections through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s Commuter Choice program.”
He added that I-66 Commuter Choice projects awarded by NVTC have saved commuters $38 million in fuel expenses and travel time savings.
“Investment in expanded transit service, commuter incentives, improved access to transit stations and other enhancements has supported nearly three million trips, saved 80 million miles of vehicle travel, prevented 120 vehicle crashes, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 71% compared to driving alone,” de Ferranti said. “These projects give people more options for their commutes and provide measurable quality of life improvements for residents and visitors in Northern Virginia.”
Bob Schneider, executive director of PRTC OmniRide in Prince William County, discussed how the partnership between I-66 EMP and local mass transit agencies is essential to the region’s continued growth.
“OmniRide and our customers have seen tremendous benefit from the I-66 Express Outside the Beltway program,” Schneider said.
He pointed out that transit service is now faster and more reliable, thanks to the infrastructure of the 66 Express.
“Full-time bi-directional service on I-66 is a game-changer because it gives us high reliability in one of the most difficult traffic environments in the United States,” Schneider added. “With $3.2 million per year in direct operational investment, as many as 13 buses in peak service at once on 66 Express-funded routes and nearly 150,000 trips on those routes alone. I-66 EMP, NVTC, DRPT and Commuter Choice are helping us change commuting in Northern Virginia.”
Investing in transit makes good business sense
Public transit is a public good. It helps to take cars off the road, reducing both traffic congestion and carbon emissions while keeping Northern Virginia’s economic engines running.
After breaking ground in November 2017 and fully opening ahead of schedule in November 2022, the 66 Express Outside the Beltway has generated an estimated $4.9 billion in local economic impact for the seven-year period from 2016 to 2022, according to a Steer report. That figure is expected to rise substantially as I-66 EMP’s ongoing investments in public transit infrastructure improvements help Northern Virginia commuters reliably get where they need to go along the I-66 corridor.
As the operator of managed “express” lanes, we understand the value of reducing single-occupant vehicle trips. Fewer cars on the road mean not only reduced congestion but also safer, more predictable travel for everyone. By supporting public transit, we’re helping to ensure a more sustainable and efficient regional transportation system — one that improves the travel experience, enhances road safety and makes long-term economic growth possible. For us, it’s not just about managing traffic today but creating a transportation network that supports the well-being of Northern Virginia for years to come.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the 66 Express Outside the Beltway is a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The multi-modal corridor provides Northern Virginia commuters, businesses and public transit riders with a reliable option to move people, goods and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More.
Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Instagram, and X.I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
I-66 EMP Packs Boxes, Holds Third Annual Coat Drive for Boxes of Basics
Operator of the 66 Express Donates Time, Money, and Winter Clothing to Nonprofit Partner
Manassas, Va. Monday, December 9, 2024– Strengthening an already strong partnership, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) donated more than 100 articles of winter essentials such as coats, hats, and gloves, and packed boxes of much needed colder weather clothing for local kids in support of Prince William-based nonprofit Boxes of Basics.
More than a dozen employees of the roadway operator volunteered at the Boxes of Basics warehouse in Manassas on Dec. 5, putting together boxes packed with age- and gender-appropriate clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items. The boxes will be distributed to children in need this holiday season.
In addition, I-66 EMP presented Boxes of Basics with more than 100 articles of winter clothing collected from its coat drive and purchased from an additional $1,500 donation. This marks the third straight year the firm has held a clothing drive for the nonprofit.
Earlier in the year, I-66 EMP also donated a large bundle of “greatest need” clothing items to help restock Boxes of Basics’ empty shelves, ensuring that children had access to essential items during a critical time.
“When a child receives their box of new or like-new items, the impact on their self-esteem is incredibly positive,” said Sarah Tyndall, executive director of Boxes of Basics. “For I-66 EMP to donate time as well as clothing and funding just shows how committed they are to this community. We’re proud to call I-66 EMP one of our longest and strongest local partners.”
The partnership between Boxes of Basics and I-66 EMP is a long-standing one. I-66 EMP held its first winter clothing drive for Boxes of Basics in February 2023, amassing nearly 150 donated articles. The second drive, in January 2024, produced more than 100 warm garments for local kids.
In both 2023 and 2024, I-66 EMP was honored to be a Silver Sponsor for Boxes of Basics. And in March 2024, the roadway operator was among the sponsors of the nonprofit’s fundraising gala, ‘Dueling Keys for a Cause.’
“We love supporting Boxes of Basics,” said Nancy H. Smith, director of corporate affairs for I-66 EMP. “For years, Sarah and her team have made a tremendous difference for the kids of our community. We’re happy to support the great work they do, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for a long time to come.”
About Boxes of Basics:
At Boxes of Basics, we believe that every child deserves to have their basic clothing needs met. Our mission is to provide children in need with a seasonal box of quality new and gently used clothing in their size. Our amazing volunteers hand-select and pack every Box of Basics, and tailor it for each individual child. When a child receives their Box of Basics, we want them to feel like they are opening a gift! Learn more atwww.BoxesOfBasics.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the 66 Express Outside the Beltway is a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Do More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express Outside the Beltway on Facebook and Twitter.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
66 Express Operator Donates $7K To Fight Food Insecurity in Prince William County
Contributions to CHOW Wagon, Haymarket Regional Food Pantry Help Combat Hunger Over the Holidays
Manassas, Va. December 4, 2024– To address the pressing issue of hunger in Prince William County – particularly among children – I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently made two significant donations to local organizations working to combat food insecurity.
The Combating Hunger On Wheels (CHOW) Wagon, an initiative of the Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF), received $3,000 from the roadway operator, while the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry (HRFP) received $4,000.
The HRFP plans to use I-66 EMP’s contribution to purchase holiday hams and turkeys for the thousands of local residents they assist each month, while the CHOW Wagon Initiative will use the funds to transport nutritious meals to children in need throughout the county.
“Children dealing with food insecurity are at a higher risk for diseases like anemia and asthma, as well as social challenges like hyperactivity and anxiety. They need adequate food resources to reach their potential,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president and CEO of PWCCF and founder of the CHOW Wagon Initiative. “Donations like this provide those resources. We sincerely thank I-66 EMP for helping us eradicate hunger in our community.”
This latest $7,000 contribution builds on I-66 EMP’s ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in the region. Earlier this year, the company donated $10,000 each to Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) to support their SERVE campus food programs and Food for Others to provide meals to families in need across Northern Virginia.
“Sometimes a family’s money runs out before the month ends. We’re here so those families never have to wonder where their next meal is,” said Eileen F. Smith, executive director of HRFP. “It’s thanks to great partners like I-66 EMP that we’re able to feed so many in our service area who find themselves in need of food.”
Fighting food insecurity is a key part of I-66 EMP’s corporate mission to improve the quality of life for residents in Northern Virginia.
“We recognize that too many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “That’s why we’re proud to support high-impact organizations like the CHOW Wagon Initiative and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, as well as earlier partnerships with NVFS and Food for Others, to ensure families across our region have access to the food they need to thrive.”
About the CHOW Wagon Initative:
The Combating Hunger On Wheels (CHOW) Wagon Initiative of the Prince William County Community Foundation offers multi-layered support to Prince William County residents most in need of resources to combat food insecurity and hunger. Children exposed to food insecurity are of particular concern for our CHOW Wagon Initiative, given the implications scarce food resources pose to a child’s health and development. Learn more at www.CHOWWagon.org.
About Haymarket Regional Food Pantry:
The Haymarket Regional Food Pantry (HRFP) is a community based non-profit organization comprised entirely of volunteers dedicated to eliminating hunger by providing food to individuals and families in Haymarket, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. We accomplish this mission by educating, empowering, and enlightening the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition. We rely entirely on food and financial support from our donors, and are thankful for the tremendous support that we receive from caring individuals, local churches, businesses and organizations, and our impressive team of volunteers. Visit www.HaymarketFoodPantry.org to learn more and make a contribution.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
I-66 EMP Donates $10,000 To Northern Virginia Family Service’s Hunger Resource Center
The HRC at NVFS Helps Feed Approximately 400 Families Every Month in Prince William County
Manassas, Va. – In time for Thanksgiving and the rest of the 2024 holiday season, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently provided a donation of $10,000 to support the Hunger Resource Center (HRC) of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS).
Headquartered at NVFS’s SERVE campus in Manassas, the HRC provides approximately 400 families from around Prince William County with emergency food assistance, nutrition information, and helpful strategies for buying healthy food on a budget.
“Too many families in our area are forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. With support from partners like I-66 EMP, the Hunger Resource Center helps those families avoid that difficult choice,” said Kathleen McMahon, executive vice president of development and communications for NVFS. “We’re immensely grateful to I-66 EMP for this contribution. They’re one of our most dependable partners, not just around the holidays but all year long.”
Fighting food insecurity has always been fundamental to I-66 EMP’s mission of improving quality of life in the community it serves. The roadway operator supports multiple food banks serving the region, including Food For Others and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, and in December 2023 made contributions totaling $5,000 to support NVFS’s holiday giving programs benefiting food-insecure families.
“We strive to partner with nonprofits that make a substantial positive impact in our region, and NVFS is a prime example,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “It’s wonderful to see how many families receive food assistance from the Hunger Resource Center. We’re pleased to support the center’s mission so more families can enjoy the holidays.”
About Northern Virginia Family Service:
Northern Virginia Family Service’s (NVFS) breadth, depth, and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. We provide the essential building blocks for financial, emotional and physical well-being, serving as leaders and innovators for the Northern Virginia community. Every year, we empower more than 30,000 individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. With these essential resources, our community is better equipped for future success and engagement among all of our neighbors. Find out more at www.NVFS.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes were expressly built to provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
I-66 EMP Teams With Educate Fairfax to Provide $13K in STEM Grants
Operator of 66 Express Outside the Beltway Continues Support of Public Schools in Fairfax County
Fairfax, Va. November 11, 2024– Today I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, presented a check for $13,000 to Educate Fairfax, the non-profit educational foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), to support grants that empower FCPS educators to create opportunities that enhance STEM learning and prepare students for future careers in science and technology fields, as a part of Educate Fairfax Grants.
“This is another difference-making donation from our partners at I-66 EMP, and this funding will go a long way toward enhancing STEM education in FCPS,” said Dr. Lynette Henry, executive director for Educate Fairfax. “We’re grateful for I-66 EMP’s continued support of public education in Fairfax County.”
The donation strengthens the years-long partnership between the roadway operator and Educate Fairfax. I-66 EMP became an Annual Partner of Educate Fairfax for 2024, contributing $15,000 to facilitate workforce readiness, career development, and enhanced STEM opportunities.
Previously, I-66 EMP has funded 10 need-based scholarships for students to attend the summertime FCPS Tech Adventure Camp, and has donated to the Kids In Need Fund, which provides essential school supplies for students from low-income households. In 2023, I-66 EMP made a donation to the Innovators Fund, a program which augments science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Fairfax County.
I-66 EMP has contributed a total of $153,250 to Educate Fairfax since 2019, including $67,500 to the Access for All Fund to support FCPS students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life for all the residents of Northern Virginia. We believe STEM education is fundamental to sustaining a high quality of life,” said Nancy H. Smith, I-66 EMP’s director of corporate affairs. “Our contributions to Educate Fairfax are a direct consequence of fulfilling that mission.”
About Educate Fairfax:
Educate Fairfax, the educational foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit working to make a positive difference in the lives of FCPS students. All of the funds raised go directly to support students, schools, and programs within FCPS. Visit www.EducateFairfax.org to learn more.
About Fairfax County Public Schools:
Serving more than 183,000 students, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) transforms our community’s most valuable potential – our children – to shape a thriving future. We are the community’s gathering place where, together, we foster creative thinking, a culture of caring, and lifelong connections. In our schools, students share a diversity of experiences that prepare them for success in a global society; teachers creatively challenge and inspire young minds; and parents actively engage in their children’s future. Learn more at www.FCPS.edu.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook and Twitter.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.