Loudoun County supervisors plan to raise money for much-needed transportation projects inside the county — rather than rely on state lawmakers — after the General Assembly failed to agree on a transportation funding plan in a special session several weeks ago.

“Transportation is critical to everyone,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Susan Buckley, D-Sugarland Run. “Funding became more of a driver in that conversation [this year]. It is something that we kept on our minds.”

Chairman Scott York, I-at large, said transportation projects on parts of Route 50 and Route 7, as well as all of Route 606, were among the critical areas the board discussed at a strategic planning session Wednesday.

The board is working on internal means to raise funds, which could involve a change to the proffer system, under which developers contribute money or services to compensate the county for land rezoning, Buckley said.

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The board also said it wants to continue its community outreach program by holding meetings in Ashburn and Dulles South, said John Merrithew, assistant director of the County Planning Department. The board’s first meeting at Park View High School in Sterling last week posted a high turnout.

“My assessment is that [Sterling] is in crisis,” Buckley said. “We need to make amendments to the zoning ordinance.”

The board will consider measures such as linking the zoning office with the Sheriff’s Office and cracking down more on high-grass and trash violations, overcrowding and commercial vehicles parked in residential zones.

The board recesses in August. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2.

dsherfinski@dcexaminer.com