Status of 2002 Bond Projects

Status of 2002 Bond Projects

On Nov. 5, 2002, nearly 70 percent of the electorate in Virginia voted in favor of the Virginia Parks and Natural Areas bond referendum. The $119 million bond included many capital improvement projects, which are among the most difficult a state agency undertakes. The bond also called for acquisition and development of three new state parks and 10 new natural areas, and additions to 11 parks and eight preserves.

The bond was needed primarily to help develop parks - Belle Isle, James River, Shenandoah River, Wilderness Road - purchased under a 1992 bond. It also provides greater outdoor recreation opportunities and enhances tourism and increases the economic benefits of parks to state and local economies.

What did the bond provide?

$119 million, approved by 69 percent of voters
$36.5 million for land acquisition
$4.5 million to prevent severe shoreline erosion at several parks
$78 million for much needed construction, improvement, trails and repair projects throughout the park system

Park projects completed

Bear Creek - cabins, meeting facility, upgraded utilities
Belle Isle - campground, visitor center
Chippokes Plantation - campground, water system, renovated camp store, new maintenance area, repaired historic structures
Claytor Lake - cabins, meeting hall, upgrade marina
First Landing - uUpgraded campground, new bathhouses
Grayson Highlands - renovated visitor center, improved campground utilities
Hungry Mother - campground acquisition
James River - campground, cabins
Kiptopeke - overnight facilities
Lake Anna - cabins, campground, linen building
Leesylvania - new picnic shelter, rebuilt boat piers
New River Trail - expanded water system
Occoneechee - cabins, equestrian campground
Pocahontas - cabins, expanded campground
Staunton River Battlefield - renovated Mulberry Hill
Wilderness Road - visitor center, various parking, paving projects
York River - boat launch dredging