Congressman Moran Praises Action by BLM to Save Meadowood Stables

Congressman Jim Moran praised the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to renovate the barn at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, keeping what he calls "this vital community asset alive and eliminating the need to close the barn during the renovation."

The Northern Virginia Democrat is the ranking member on the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. He announced in January he is retiring from Congress.

The barn’s closure would have eliminated local equestrian businesses and forced the children and families that make up the local riding community to board their horses elsewhere in a county with limited stable options.

“This was the only opportunity to repair Meadowood Stables, otherwise it would have been shuttered due to the cost," Moran said in a news release. "BLM deserves much praise for working toward a solution that was a win for all involved."

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland hosted Moran in 2012, along with John Lyons, BLM director of the Eastern States Office, to discuss options with community stakeholders for renovating the stables, and doing it in a way that would allow the horses to stay on the property during renovation.

Following this meeting, Moran sent a letter to BLM formally requesting their pursuit of the project in a way that kept the horses on the property during renovation. This effort was made more difficult in light of sequestration and the budget cuts that followed. Thanks to the congressman’s perseverance and seniority and BLM’s steadfast efforts, the project is now on track.

“BLM listened to the community and made the right decision,” said Supervisor Hyland.  “Their willingness to come to the table and hear everyone’s concerns proves they are an important partner with Fairfax County.”

Also read:

• Moran Threatens to Cut BLM Funding Over Meadowood Stables Issue
• Hyland Hosts Meeting with BLM, Moran to Discuss Fate of Meadowood Barn
• Meadowood Barn Renovation Impacted by Sequestration