Richmond, VA – On Thursday, Governor Glenn Youngkin released his proposed amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and 2023 biennial budget for Virginia.

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Governor Younkin’s proposed budget amendments would increase operations funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation by $100 million in 2023 and nearly $240 million in 2024. The proposed amendments would also increase the capital budget for the department by $3 million in 2023.

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The proposed budget amendments would provide $200 million across 2023 and 2024 for the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, which supports local government resilience projects across the Commonwealth. This resilience funding is part of the $685 million proposed for accelerating Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The Governor’s proposed budget amendments would increase funding for the Department of Environmental Quality by $110 million in 2023 and $154 million in 2024.

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Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn issued the following statement:

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“I applaud Governor Youngkin’s proposed amendments to the biennial 2023 – 2024 budget as they pertain to conservation, natural resources and clean water. The proposed amendments would significantly increase Virginia’s budget for the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Environmental Quality. Virginia’s natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay are absolutely critical to the health of Virginia’s people, its wildlife and the economy. These proposed budget amendments reflect Governor Youngkin’s commitment to conservation and the natural resources of Virginia.”

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Feature Photo by Will Fisher