Natural Resource Investment Plan

Natural Resource Investment Plan

Virginia’s history is as much a story of its land and water as it is a story of the people and communities that its natural resources have sustained. In the past 50 years, the population of the Commonwealth has doubled to eight million citizens. As a result, the demands on our land and water have never been greater nor has the necessity to heed Virginia’s constitutional charge: “To protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment and general welfare of the Commonwealth.” VIRGINIAforever stands by this commitment.

In 2023, VIRGINIAforever released its third comprehensive plan for investing in the Commonwealth’s land and water resources. As a unique, diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts—and as the only statewide organization with a primary focus on increasing funding for natural resources protection—VIRGINIAforever published its state funding recommendations for years 2025-2028 for legislators and decision-makers to use as a guide for making critical investments in land conservation and water quality improvements.

The VIRGINIAforever Natural Resource Investment Plan sets forth investments needed to accomplish the Commonwealth’s land conservation and water quality improvement goals from 2025 through 2028. These investments, which are critical to ensure that our natural resources stay protected today, tomorrow and into the future, include the following:

Enabling Land Conservation and Public Access

  • $200 million for land conservation grant programs
  • $360 million for the Land Preservation Tax Credit
  • $550 million for state parks, other public lands, and trails
  • A total of $1.13 billion over four years

 Ensuring Water Quality in the Bay, Its Tributaries, and Other Waterways

  • $988 million for wastewater treatment plan upgrades
  • $200 million for stormwater projects
  • $894.2 million for the Agricultural Cost-Share program
  • A total of $2.082 billion over four years

 Resiliency Programs

  • $400 million for resiliency efforts

Read our full report here.