By Becky Vaughn – July 2026
LACA is pleased to share great news for everyone who loves Lake Anna! Virginia's new state budget includes funding for projects that will improve the lake's health, safety, and long-term sustainability.
This 2-year budget provides:
- $750,000 in FY2027 and $500,000 in FY2028 to help reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs) in three upper-lake tributaries. This funding builds on the $1.75 million the Commonwealth has already invested in the Lake Anna Phosphorus Remediation Program. Securing this funding was LACA's top legislative priority during the 2026 General Assembly session.
- $30,000 in each of the next two fiscal years for hydrilla management and buoy maintenance. These funds will support ongoing control of invasive hydrilla and help maintain navigational and hazard buoys, improving safety for everyone who uses the lake.
Members of your LACA Board met with several policymakers in Richmond during the legislative session including Senators, Cifers, Stuart, and Reeves; Delegates Scott, Bloxom, Fowler, Cole, and Hamilton; former Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Stefanie Taillon and current Secretary David Bulova.
We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Spanberger and the members of the General Assembly who championed this funding. Senators Stuart and Reeves together with Delegate Laufer led the effort on the budget amendment. We also appreciate the outstanding assistance provided by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, whose advocacy and guidance helped move these budget items successfully through the legislative process.
This funding represents a meaningful investment in Lake Anna's future. It will help protect water quality, improve recreational safety, and preserve one of Virginia's most valued natural resources for years to come.
Most importantly, your support of LACA made this advocacy possible. Please consider sending a brief email to Governor Spanberger and our state legislators thanking them for supporting these important investments in Lake Anna.
becky.vaughn@lakeannavirginia.org
