Del. David A. Reid announces Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grants

Delegate David A. Reid (HD-28-Loudoun), Vice Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, announced today that the Committee reviewed 60 proposals and approved 43 projects, providing more than $280,000 in grants to support Chesapeake Bay education and restoration initiatives across Virginia. The funding, which comes entirely from the sale of Chesapeake Bay license plates, will support efforts to improve water quality, promote conservation, and increase public awareness of Bay stewardship.

Among the approved proposals are five benefiting Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, including:

• Goose Creek Association – $3,498
• Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District – $4,295 and $3,000 (two projects)
• Izaak Walton League of Virginia – $12,450
• John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District (Warrenton) – $6,352

“These local projects reflect the power of community-based conservation,” said Reid. “Every dollar generated through the Chesapeake Bay license plate program helps protect one of Virginia’s most valuable natural resources. From stream restoration and watershed education to soil and water management, these grants strengthen our shared commitment to the health of the Bay for future generations.”

Delegate Marty Martinez (Leesburg) added: “These investments will have a lasting impact right here in Loudoun County. Local organizations like Goose Creek Association and the Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District are doing critical work to preserve our waterways and natural resources, and this funding helps them with those efforts.”

Delegate-elect John McAuliff (Loudoun and Fauquier) commented: “I’m encouraged to see this kind of local commitment to Bay restoration. Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries next to our homes and farms is essential not only to our local environment and quality of life, but to the long-term economic vitality of our region.”

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund was established by the General Assembly in 1992 and is administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Revenue from the sale of “Friend of the Chesapeake” license plates supports grants for educational and restoration projects that advance Bay cleanup and conservation goals.

Virginians can support future projects by purchasing or renewing a Chesapeake Bay license plate through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.