The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, with a surface area of 4,500 square miles and a drainage basin covering parts of six states, including Virginia.
The House Appropriations Committee funds several programs and activities related to the Chesapeake Bay, including land preservation, water quality improvement, and support for Virginia industries reliant on the health of the Bay.
States in the Chesapeake Bay watershed – including Virginia – are under federal mandate to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment discharge into the Chesapeake Bay. This mandate includes sector-specific reduction goals for wastewater treatment plants, agricultural runoff, and developed land stormwater runoff.
Budget Overview
Funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up programs is primarily supported by state general fund revenues and general-fund supported bonds. Since FY 2021, Virginia has provided more than $2.0 billion in funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up programs.
| Total State Appropriations from All Sources | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 5 Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Best Management Practices | 56.3 | 79.9 | 323 | 348.5 | 237.4 | 1,045.1 |
| Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrades | – | 150 | – | 222.1 | 217.4 | 589.5 |
| Combined Sewer Overflow System Upgrades | 50 | – | 165 | – | 75 | 290 |
| Local Stormwater System Upgrades | 50 | 25 | 25 | 30 | – | 130 |
| Total | 156.3 | 254.9 | 513 | 600.6 | 529.8 | 2,054.6 |
Program / Policy Highlights
Outcomes
While Chesapeake Bay clean-up programs will have to continue in perpetuity, Virginia’s efforts have resulted in notable reductions in pollution flowing into the Bay. Between 2000 and 2020, within its Chesapeake Bay tributaries Virginia saw reductions of: 23% in nitrogen loading: 28% in phosphorus loading; and 5% in sediment loading.
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
