Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is announcing that his two year budget proposal will provide historic funding for the Chesapeake Bay, clean water infrastructure and conserving the Commonwealth’s natural resources.
Article continues below
>
“Virginia pledged to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to meet clean water goals by 2025,†said Governor Ralph Northam. “My budget will ensure that the Commonwealth lives up to its commitment and restores the natural bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. By assisting farmers and localities implementing our Bay clean up plan, my budget supports the economic, public health, recreation and quality of life benefits of a restored Bay for future generations.â€
The proposed budget will provide nearly $286 million to fully fund the Virginia Natural Resources Commitment Fund, assisting farmers and landowners to implement clean water and conservation practices. Additionally, funding will provide technical assistance for farmers and landowners to implement conservation practices.
Governor Northam’s proposed budget dedicates $233.6 million to address the inequities in clean water accessibility by tackling outdated sewer systems and failing septics. The proposal includes a $165 million investment to support the cities of Richmond, Lynchburg, and Alexandria and $68.6 million in funding for local municipal wastewater needs.
Governor Northam’s proposal also includes an additional $10 million for the Virginia Land Conservation and supports the conservation of forest and farmland through a $5 million investment to the Office of Farmland Preservation.
Additionally, the funding will address the shortage in seedling availability by re establishing the New Kent Nursery, expanding the Urban and Community Forestry Program, and increasing tree planting. These efforts will simultaneously support the goals of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay clean up plan.
In Virginia, a restored Chesapeake Bay will generate more than $8 billion dollars each year in new economic value from improved commercial and recreational fishing, reduced drinking water treatment costs, resilience to climate change, and improved property values and quality of life in the region ■