The James River Association invites residents of the Richmond and Tri-cities regions to attend one of two community meetings to engage in a discussion on the Regional Rivers Plan. This plan for the rivers of the Richmond region will make recommendations and identify strategies to leverage our waterways to improve quality of life and catalyze river-based economic activity.
The study team, which is comprised of planning professionals from the James River Association, Timmons Group, 3north, and Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, is focusing on public access and economic development along the four major river corridors of the Richmond region: James River, Appomattox River, Chickahominy River, and Pamunkey River.
“With the help of local experts, we’re answering questions like ‘what’s there?’, ‘what’s missing?,’ and ‘what’s next?’,” said Andy Boenau, lead planner with Timmons Group.
“We are excited to share our progress to date and engage members of the community in a conversation about the future of our region’s rivers,” said Justin Doyle, Community Conservation Manager with the James River Association. “The Regional Rivers Plan will identify three to five catalytic projects that will expand access to the James River and its tributaries to increase opportunities for river recreation and riverfront economic development.”
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
July 15, 6:00 pm
Chimborazo Park Roundhouse
- Grace Street at N. 36th Street, Richmond, VA
July 22, 6:00 pm
The Cameron Foundation
228 S. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA
The creation of the Regional Rivers Plan was one of four strategies presented by the James River Work Group of the Capital Regional Collaborative – a partnership between government, business and community to improve the quality of life across the Capital Region and to address issues that are not confined by city or county limits. The James River Association spearheaded an effort to identify prospective funders interested in supporting the creation of the regional plan. After receiving philanthropic support from Altria Group, MeadWestvaco Foundation, The Cameron Foundation, and Custis Westham Fund of The Community Foundation for the creation of a regional plan, the James River Association executed a contract with Timmons Group, a Richmond-based planning and engineering firm, in March 2015.
For information about the Regional Rivers Plan visit www.JamesRiverAssociation.org or contact the James River Association’s Program Manager, Shawn Ralston, at[email protected].
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION:
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works through its core programs – Education, Outreach, Watershed Restoration, River Advocacy and the Riverkeeper Program – to help people of all ages enjoy, appreciate and protect the beauty and health of the James River for future generations to enjoy. For more information visit www.JamesRiverAssociation.org.
