PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2019
CONTACT:
Jamie Brunkow
Riverkeeper and Senior Advocacy Manager
(757) 634-4541
jbrunkow@thejamesriver.org
James River Association Applauds Governor’s Proposed Investments in Cleaner, Healthier Future for Virginia’s Rivers
Governor’s Budget includes critical funding to reduce pollution and restore the James River
Today, Governor Northam announced that his biennium budget proposal will include investments of over $400 million in critical programs to restore Virginia’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. That includes funding for reducing nutrient and sediment pollution from agricultural lands, to address stormwater runoff from urban and suburban communities, and for critical upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities. The budget also proposes $20 million per year for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, which offers grants to protect local water quality and habitat through long-term land conservation. The Governor has identified $25 million to strengthen the Department of Environmental Quality’s ability to engage with the public and protect Virginia’s natural resources and the health and well-being of its citizens.
Bill Street, Chief Executive Officer of the James River Association, released the following statement: “We applaud the Governor for his commitment to restoring our waterways, preserving natural lands, and putting Virginia on a path to a cleaner, healthier future for its natural resources. As Virginia’s final Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan makes clear, we need bold investments to achieve the pollution reductions necessary to meet our 2025 deadline for restoring the James River and the Bay. With this budget proposal, Governor Northam has shown, once again, that he is dedicated to achieving a healthy Bay and a grade-A James.”
“Clean water is something everyone can support, and these programs have a proven track record of success across the Commonwealth and within the General Assembly,” said Street. “We urge Virginia’s legislature to support these investments for the James River, for the Chesapeake Bay, and for all who rely on these resources for their significant intrinsic and economic value.”
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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.