WASHINGTON — Loudoun County residents spend a lot of time and money commuting to jobs outside of the county, and county officials would like to change that.

Loudoun County Economic Development plans its second annual “Hire Loudoun” career fair in April, aimed at connecting the county’s workforce with county employers.

The organization estimated about half of Loudoun’s workforce have jobs outside the county, and almost 10,000 of them commute into D.C. for work. That is a commute that could cost $30 each way if the commuter uses all three toll roads.

Add in two or more hours in traffic each way, and the toll is even higher on employees’ vehicles, bodies and stress levels, the group said.

“That’s not great for commuters. That’s not great for quality of life. We’re really hoping to open up a lot of opportunities by creating some local connections here in Loudoun County,” Chris Hunter, the groups business retention manager, told WTOP.

Loudoun County Economic Development hosts the career fair along with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.

Last year’s “Hire Loudoun” fair had about 25 participating employers. This year’s fair has already shaped up to be much bigger, with companies representing the retail, professional services and IT fields.

“We’re targeting about 60 participants this year,” Hunter said.

Employers who want to take part in the career fair have until March 21 to register.

The Hire Loudoun Career Fair is Wednesday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott. The fair is free to Loudoun County residents.

Participants can register online in preparation for face-to-face meetings with hiring companies.