Subcommittee advances bill to preserve Oak Hill and 1,200 acres as state park

The subcommittee unanimously reported HB500 after Delegate McAuliffe presented the bill to preserve approximately 1,200 acres of farm and forest land in western Loudoun County, including Oak Hill—the home of President James Monroe—as part of the Virginia State Park System.

Delegate McAuliffe described the financing as a "prepaid state park" model: Oak Hill was purchased by The Conservation Fund and funded with $22 million from Loudoun County; the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation has committed $2 million; an estimated $6 million federal grant is conditional on state ownership; private philanthropy had raised more than $14 million; and the sponsor asked for a $10 million authorization from the state parks acquisition fund. "Most importantly, it does not cost a single dollar of general fund dollars," the sponsor said.

Support came from conservation and local-government representatives. Heather Richards of The Conservation Fund said partners were ready to "gift the state an incredible state park." Jonathan Freeman, representing Loudoun County, noted the county's $22 million appropriation. Alexander McAuley (Piedmont Environmental Council / American Battlefield Trust) and other environmental groups voiced support as well.

After discussion the subcommittee adopted the substitute and reported the bill by voice/roll call, 6–0. The bill will proceed with the proposed funding approach and will be considered in subsequent steps in the legislative process.