Richmond Mayor, Levar Stoney, is scheduled to present his proposed FY 2021 budget to City Council on Friday, March 6. The Mayor’s budget is a reflection of his priorities and we expect it to include funding that supports a healthy and accessible James River for all Richmonders to enjoy. The James River Association encourages Mayor Stoney and City Council to support policies and fund projects that contribute to a healthy and accessible James River. Check out the James River Association’s 2020 River City Agenda below:
2020 River City Agenda
Essential actions for a healthy and accessible James River
As the primary source of drinking water and a popular venue for recreation and enjoyment, the James River is the lifeblood of Richmond. A healthy and accessible James River is vital to the quality of life of Richmonders. As Mayor Levar Stoney and members of City Council craft Richmond’s Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2021 – 2025, we call upon city leaders to support projects that will continue to improve local water quality and connect communities to a healthier James River.
Healthy River Priorities
We encourage Mayor Stoney and City Council to support policies and fund projects that contribute to a healthy James River by taking the following actions:
- Fund stormwater facility improvements to reduce local flooding and capture stormwater runoff in Richmond’s neighborhoods.
- Fund green infrastructure projects that capture stormwater runoff and promote climate change resilience.
- Implement the recommendations of Mayor Stoney’s Green Team, tasked with identifying and prioritizing city-owned parcels to become public green space.
- Stay on track to eliminate combined sewer overflow events by 2036, the deadline established in Senate Bill 1064.
- Work with state partners to identify and secure funding for projects that reduce the frequency of combined sewer overflow events and the volume of wastewater and stormwater entering the river.
Richmond Riverfront Plan Priorities
We encourage Mayor Stoney and City Council to fund implementation of the Richmond Riverfront Plan and recently adopted James River Park System Master Plan. Richmond’s leaders should provide funding for the design and construction of planned public spaces and safer connections for pedestrians and bicyclists. These necessary projects will improve access to our riverfront and create opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the James River. The following capital projects are priorities:
- Funding for design and construction of a park at Lehigh, located at East Riverfront. A conceptual plan for the project exists in the Richmond Riverfront Plan.
- Funding for design and construction of the “Missing Link” project, a pathway that will connect Belle Isle to the Manchester Climbing Wall area in the James River Park System.
- Funding for the 0.3-mile segment of the Gillies Creek Greenway extending from E. Main Street to Williamsburg Avenue.
- Funding for the acquisition of property along Richmond’s riverfront to create new public green spaces.