PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2021
CONTACT:
Erin Hillert
Marketing & Communications Manager
James River Association
ehillert@thejamesriver.org | 608.239.2644
James River Association Applauds Chesapeake Bay Executive Council’s
Billion for the Bay Initiative
Today, Governor Northam led members of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council in asking leaders in Congress to support the Billion for the Bay Initiative. The proposed initiative calls for federal funding crucial to stimulating state and local economies and to sustaining efforts to restore the James River and Chesapeake Bay. The Billion for the Bay initiative seeks to grow local jobs while underpinning a decades-long effort to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution from agricultural lands, from urban and suburban stormwater runoff, and from wastewater treatment facilities. Building green infrastructure, restoring natural landscapes and upgrading water infrastructure is central to the initiative’s aim of helping Bay jurisdictions adapt to climate change and meet the 2025 deadline to implement the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan.
Governor Northam chairs the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, which is represented by Governors from each of the six Chesapeake Bay States, the Mayor of the District of Columbia and the Chair of Chesapeake Bay Commission.
Bill Street, Chief Executive Officer of the James River Association, released the following statement: “We applaud the Governor and the Executive Council for elevating the needs of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay through the Billion for the Bay Initiative. Across the mid-Atlantic region, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on our farmers, businesses and families, as well as state and local budgets. This infusion of federal support is truly needed to help communities recover faster and meet their 2025 goals under the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan. A fully healthy James River will support thriving communities for generations to come. We urge Congress to heed this bold, bipartisan commitment to a thriving clean water economy.”
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.