In First PB&J Food Drive, I-66 EMP Collects More Than 400 Jars for PWCCF
Local Community Contributes Peanut Butter, Jelly to Support Prince William County Families in Need
Manassas, Va. June 9 , 2025 – Thanks to generous contributions from around the local community, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, met our goal and provided the non-profit Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF) with more than 400 jars of peanut butter and jelly, bringing a triumphant conclusion to the roadway operator’s initial PB&J Food Drive, held throughout May.
PWCCF will distribute the sandwich staples to families in need throughout Prince William County.
The month of generosity was highlighted by a substantial donation from American Heritage Girls Troop VA7719, representing Monte Sion Church in Centreville.
“When I-66 EMP approached us with their idea for a PB&J drive in May, we thought it was a great way to get ready for summer,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, founding president and CEO of PWCCF. “Summer can be hard on families in need, because school is often where kids’ most nutritious meals come from. We’re very happy with how well it turned out, and we thank everyone who donated.”
The PB&J drive is the latest initiative in the partnership between PWCCF and I-66 EMP. The 66 Express operator has been a perennial Ally Sponsor of the foundation’s Back-To-School event which provides supplies and other essentials for student-readiness, and has made monetary contributions to PWCCF’s CHOW Wagon program, which delivers healthy meals to Prince William County families in need.
“Fighting against hunger is a key pillar of our mission to serve this community,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “The response to the PB&J drive has been inspiring, and it’s wonderful to see first-hand how generous our community really is. We couldn’t ask for a better partner than our friends at PWCCF.”
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.
I-66 EMP Funds Scholarships for 25 Students at Tech Adventure Camp
66 Express Operator Contributes $6,875 To Support FCPS’s Weekly Summer Enrichment Program
Fairfax, Va. June 2, 2025– At a check presentation held last month, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, donated $6,875 to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to fund need-based scholarships for 25 students to attend Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) this summer.
It’s the second consecutive year that I-66 EMP has funded TAC scholarships. The roadway operator provided funding for 10 students to attend the summertime enrichment and exploratory program in 2024.
“We’re absolutely delighted that I-66 EMP is helping inspire more students again this summer,” said Dr. Lynette Henry, executive director for Educate Fairfax, the non-profit educational foundation for FCPS. “By funding these scholarships to our upcoming Tech Adventure Camp, they’re enabling 25 young people to discover new interests and achieve new goals.”
Open to students enrolled in public and private schools as well as home-schooling environments, Tech Adventure Camp is a weekly summer enrichment program that provides students in kindergarten through fifth grade opportunities to explore subjects like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), art, health, business, marketing, technical trades, and more. In 2025, the weekly themes of Tech Adventure Camp are “Let’s Get Messy,” “Crazy Cool Careers,” and “Exploring the Enchanted.”
“Elementary school is an ideal time to introduce kids to these fascinating subjects,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “We’re more than happy to again do our part and support the FCPS Tech Adventure Camp as it inspires young students to investigate interesting careers and learn what’s possible.”
About Fairfax County Public Schools:
Serving more than 181,000 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.
I-66 EMP Gives $15K To Support Two Initiatives of Educate Fairfax
66 Express Operator Contributes Again to the Foundation’s Innovation Fund and Kids In Need Fund
Fairfax, Va. May 27, 2025 – At a check presentation today, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, provided $15,000 to Educate Fairfax, the non-profit educational foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), to support a pair of difference-making initiatives: The Innovators Fund and the Kids In Need Fund.
The foundation’s Kids In Need Fund provides essential school supplies and nutrition assistance for students from low-income households throughout Fairfax County, while the Innovators Fund strengthens opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by addressing gaps in funding and creating diverse learning environments for students to excel.
Today’s contribution is the latest in the years-long partnership between I-66 EMP and Educate Fairfax. Since 2019, the roadway operator has donated more than $175,000 to Educate Fairfax, including previous support of the Innovators Fund and the Kids In Need Fund. In 2024, I-66 EMP provided another $15,000 to become an official Annual Partner of Educate Fairfax, supporting workforce readiness and career development.
“We focus on proactive engagement and anticipating students’ needs, and the Innovators Fund and Kids In Need Fund are two high-impact programs that help us meet those needs,” said Dr. Lynette Henry, executive director for Educate Fairfax. “We’re extremely appreciative that I-66 EMP continues to support these programs to enhance STEM education and to provide students with the essentials they need to learn.”
Last fall, I-66 EMP provided $13,000 to Educate Fairfax Grants, which enable educators to engage students with innovative learning experiences.
“We believe every student should be equipped with everything they need to succeed, so a big part of our mission is to support public education – particularly STEM education – throughout the region,” said Nancy H. Smith, director of corporate affairs for I-66 EMP. “Continuing to make contributions to Educate Fairfax’s Innovators Fund as well as the Kids In Need Fund perfectly aligns with that mission. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts on Fairfax County’s public school students.”
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 181,000 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.
Partnering for Progress: 66 Express Community Spotlight
Highlighting Local Organizations Driving Positive Change in the Region
A Home Away From Home for America’s Heroes in Uniform
It’s become something of a springtime tradition for I-66 EMP.
Every April, a group of eager volunteers heads out to the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a state-of-the-art facility on 37 acres of peaceful, forested land in Haymarket. The retreat serves as a home away from home for our nation’s injured, ill, and wounded military service members, offering them a place to rest, reconnect, and recharge.
This April, for the third spring season, EMP volunteers headed to the retreat ready to give the grounds a spring beautification to ensure that the warriors who stay there—almost 1,300 stays since the facility first opened—can enjoy a pristine and restorative environment.
Because they deserve it.
Providing service members, disabled veterans, and their families with cost-free getaways from the hospital is the primary mission of Willing Warriors, a Prince William County-based nonprofit and one of I-66 EMP’s strongest community partners.
In addition to free stays in the beautiful retreat setting, Willing Warriors offers educational seminars, recreational activities, and support programs to help service members and their families navigate the challenges of recovery, including assistance with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
As stated on their website, WillingWarriors.org, “The intended outcome of these retreat stays is the Warrior and their family members return to the routine of rebuilding their lives feeling refreshed and inspired.”
Since its opening, the Warrior Retreat has hosted nearly 4,000 service members and their guests, including more than 500 from 52 stays in 2024. The nonprofit anticipates serving even more warriors in the years ahead—and I-66 EMP is proud to continue its strong support of the Willing Warriors mission.
Working Together to Benefit Our Nation’s Warriors
Not long after the 66 Express Outside the Beltway fully opened in November 2022, I-66 EMP began its partnership with Willing Warriors.
In April 2023, I-66 EMP volunteers first visited the retreat, removing dead bushes, spreading mulch, pulling weeds, and helping to maintain the property. With a skid-steer front-loader and a flatbed truck, they tackled some of the heavy lifting to keep the grounds in top shape.
Then in April 2024, the team returned to repaint fences, clear hiking trails, and spruce up the landscaping.
In addition to hands-on service, I-66 EMP proudly sponsored the “Home Away From Home” dinner at the retreat in 2024, providing a warm, welcoming evening meal for warriors and their families to enjoy together.
This year, I-66 EMP volunteers completed two rounds of service at the retreat. The first focused on spring beautification efforts, including spreading mulch across flower beds and relocating large rocks to be incorporated into a new feature on the grounds.
The second visit involved more extensive work, culminating in the creation of the new Honor Circle—a peaceful, shaded space designed for reflection and relaxation. This hands-on project included significant earthwork to create a level base and the construction of a sturdy retaining wall around a prominent tree. The Honor Circle now offers veterans and their families a quiet place to gather outdoors.
In addition to completing the Honor Circle, the team also removed a dead tree to enhance the landscape’s appearance and leveled an unused burn pit—further contributing to the retreat’s overall aesthetics and functionality.
“We look forward to seeing our friends from I-66 EMP every spring,” said Dianne Polk, director of operations for Willing Warriors. “Maintaining a piece of property this large requires a tremendous amount of effort, so the work done by volunteer groups like I-66 EMP is invaluable. We’re glad to count I-66 EMP as a consistent partner of the past several years.”
In May 2025, Willing Warriors will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Warrior Retreat. I-66 EMP congratulates our community partner on a decade of providing a sanctuary for recovering service members and their families right here in Prince William County.
“Volunteering at the Warrior Retreat is one of the most fulfilling outreaches we do,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “We’re more than happy to support the Willing Warriors organization as it serves the heroes who’ve sacrificed for our nation so honorably.”
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.
