PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, December 16, 2022
CONTACT:
Anna Killius
Director of Advocacy
(410) 212-3819
akillius@thejamesriver.org
James River Association Applauds Governor’s Clean Water Acceleration
On Thursday, December 15th, Governor Youngkin released his proposed amendments to Virginia’s biennial budget for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. His amendments dedicate $480 million to programs supporting cleaner water and healthier rivers, including:
- $137 million for agricultural best management practices and technical assistance.
- $237 million for upgrades to wastewater treatment plants to better remove nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
- $100 million to help the City of Richmond prevent contaminated overflows from its combined sewer system during heavy rain events.
- Governor Youngkin’s budget also includes $200 million to help finance projects that improve resilience across the Commonwealth.
Virginia faces a 2025 deadline to meet its Chesapeake Bay Cleanup commitments by reducing pollution loads from stormwater, wastewater, and agricultural runoff. However, reports show that the Commonwealth and the Bay watershed are not on track to meet these goals on time.
Bill Street, President and CEO of the James River Association, applauded Governor Youngkin’s clean water budget proposals: “Governor Youngkin has made it clear that Virginia is committed to meeting our Chesapeake Bay goals and restoring treasured tributaries like the James River. As a Commonwealth, we’ve made important progress to date, but we must accelerate the pace of restoration. These budget proposals will do just that, delivering cleaner water faster for Virginians. We encourage the General Assembly to support these critical clean water investments when they meet next year.”
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. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. 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.