During this session, lawmakers will have the opportunity to make a historic, one-time investment in Virginia’s lands and waters.
Many states – including North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Indiana, New Hampshire, and Michigan – have prioritized investments in parks, trails, green spaces, water infrastructure, and conservation with their ARP funding to respond to the same increased demand that we do in Virginia .
Members of the General Assembly face the unenviable challenge of determining how these federal funds will be used to address the many pressing problems facing the Commonwealth.
While you are pressing ahead with your deliberations, I call for a well thought-out, future-oriented and focused distribution of these federal funds, which, in addition to the ongoing problem of inadequate access to nature for everyone, also addresses the overuse of our parks and public spaces.
Increased maintenance and expansion of our open spaces is crucial in order to meet the growing demand from residents and visitors. It is equally important to expand the possibilities for people from all walks of life to develop a closer relationship with their surroundings.
By properly funding these initiatives, not only will we meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation, but we will also encourage more people to care for and support nature in a sustainable, responsible and environmentally friendly way.