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The overall grade of the 2025 State of the James has improved to a B with a score of 68% from its failing health decades ago. Although the pace of progress has slowed, a grade-A James River is possible if we keep up our collective efforts and continue to address key issues together. However, the 2023 American shad stock assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that populations of American shad in the James are at an all-time low. Given the dire situation, JRA fought for funding to develop an emergency recovery plan that identified immediate actions that could be taken to improve the American shad fishery in the James River. This plan will be delivered to Virginia Legislators in the fall of 2023 with more actions to follow, but it will take a long-term and sustained effort to bring American shad in the James River back from the brink of collapse.
Advocacy News
A Banner Year for the James River at Virginia’s General Assembly
Yesterday, Virginia’s General Assembly voted to send a budget bill to the Governor that includes over $200 million for clean water programs over the next two years. While that investment falls short of what the Governor originally proposed, it still sends a strong...
Mayor Stoney Presents His Budget to City Council on Friday, March 6
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...
