James River Association pitches migratory-fish outreach; committee commits limited funds

The James River Association presented a public-engagement proposal focused on restoring migratory fish species in the James River and the broader Bay watershed. The association said American shad had fallen to "0 as of 2021 in Virginia" and reported a 29% decline in striped bass over two years, describing a tabletop game, bilingual printed materials and videos to reach festival audiences and community events.

Committee members welcomed the outreach concept but repeatedly raised questions about the proposal’s heavy contractor and production costs. The staff and several members suggested funding the high-impact, low-cost elements first — printed bilingual materials and a tabletop game — and trimming expensive video production or seeking lower-cost vendor quotes. The James River representative said contracting was used because the association lacked in-house videography and the printed materials and game were critical to reach large festival audiences.

After discussion, members proposed funding the association at a level close to last year’s award rather than the full requested amount, with a transcription of the record showing an intended allocation near $8,623 (committee accounting on the record). Committee members said staff would specify allowable uses in the award letter so funds target the prioritized outreach deliverables.

The committee’s approval of the larger funding package later in the meeting included this reduced allocation as part of the approved awards. The James River Association representative summarized the outreach rationale: "You can't love what you don't know. And you can't protect what you don't love."