HD20 - Options to Provide Funding for the Clean-Up of Virginia's Polluted Waters, Including the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tributaries


Executive Summary:
JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE STUDYING OPTIONS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE CLEAN-UP OF VIRGINIA'S POLLUTED WATERS, INCLUDING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
(HJR No. 640, 2005)

The joint subcommittee met four times during 2005 on May 12, July 20, September 29, and November 14. The joint subcommittee heard testimony that the estimated cost to cleanup Virginia's waters by 2010 is $12.5 billion. In addition, once Virginia's waters have been cleaned up, the annual cost to maintain clean waterways in the Commonwealth could well exceed $80 million. These costs would be shared amongst the Commonwealth, local governments, private industry, and citizens. The joint subcommittee learned that certain strategies for cleaning up Virginia's waters had a greater cost-benefit than other strategies and techniques. Some of the strategies and techniques that would yield cost-beneficial results include upgrading Virginia's wastewater treatment plants, utilization of nutrient management plans, conservation tillage practices, use of cover crops, and diet and feed adjustments for agricultural animals. Representatives from the State of Maryland briefed the subcommittee on Maryland's programs for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. Staff presented several options to the joint subcommittee for funding the cleanup of Virginia's waters. These included the use of both existing and new sources of revenue, or a combination thereof. All members of the joint subcommittee supported additional funding for cleanup of Virginia's waters.

The joint subcommittee intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document.

The joint subcommittee's Internet web page can be found at: http://dls.state.va.us/statewaters.htm