December is not only the heat of the holiday season, but it is also the time of year that federal legislators will vote to pass a budget that will ultimately decide the fate of conservation efforts for the following year. This includes essential programs like the Chesapeake Bay Program, the 2018 Farm Bill, and more.
We are very grateful that both Senator Kaine and Senator Warner have taken steps to ensure federal appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program are fully funded at $73 million and have both co-sponsored the Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancement Act which would provide an additional $300 million to agricultural cost-share programs throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
We want to make sure they know how important this work is. Please call their office and say: “Thank you for fighting for funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program and the conservation programs that help to protect and restore the James River”. It is also great to include a personal message about why you love the James River.
Please take five minutes to call and thank our Senators for their leadership on this important issue.
Senator Tim Kaine Washington D.C. Office: (202) 224-4024
Senator Mark Warner Washington D.C. Office (202) 224-2023
The James River Association has accomplished a great deal in 2017 and federal funding is an important piece of how we support our work.
JRA educated over 1,000 City of Richmond Middle School Students thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
JRA also converted a lawn from turf to native plantings in Lynchburg as a result of a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.