Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced the state will give $1.7 million to save 14 properties -- farms, forests, wildlife habitat and historic areas rather than allow them to be developed. That adds 5,700 acres to Virginia’s conserved lands.
The news did not sit well with Republican Delegate Brenda Pogge of James City, who thinks the state may be spending too much on open space. “Basically the taxpayers are funding all of this, and they get very little benefit out of it, except we have nice green open spaces. There’s no money to fund this. It’s nice, but maybe not a necessity.”
The money is used by private land trusts, local governments and state agencies to protect open space. Supporters say conservation improves water quality and increases recreational opportunities in Virginia.
