Funding for River Farm advances

0
579
Funding for River Farm advances
The American Horticultural Society closed River Farm to the public on Nov. 9, citing COVID-19 and the safety of staff and visitors as the reason. Community members and volunteers have questioned the motivation behind this decision. (Photo/Cody Mello-Klein)
Facebooktwittermail

Public funding to buy and preserve George Washington’s River Farm for the public took a significant step forward on Wednesday when the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee and House Appropriations Committee budgeted funding for the project.

The House Appropriations Committee included $2 million to preserve River Farm in its proposed budget, while the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee included $5 million in combined funding for the preservation of both Chickahominy tribal lands and River Farm. The initiative was spearheaded by Alexandria State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D) and Mount Vernon Del. Paul Krizek (D).

“This is another important step in ensuring Virginians will continue to enjoy River Farm for years to come. I am hopeful that, with the addition of this state funding, NOVA Parks will soon be able to move forward with the purchase of the property,” Ebbin said in a news release.

-ddunbar@alextimes.com

instagram
Facebooktwittermail