Committee refers Oak Hill park acquisition to finance after broad support
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Summary
Senate Bill 157 would authorize acquisition of the 1,200‑acre Oak Hill property in Loudoun County as a state park using non‑general funds; the committee voted to report and refer the bill to finance after testimony on funding and historic significance.
Senate Bill 157, sponsored by Senator Russet Perry, would authorize the Department of Conservation and Recreation to accept or acquire approximately 1,200 acres known as Oak Hill in Loudoun County to establish a new state park. Supporters described the property as the presidential home of James Monroe and stressed regional recreation needs and preservation of historic and cultural resources.
Heather Richards of The Conservation Fund, representing the current owners working to transfer the parcel, outlined a funding package the group proposed: $6 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money (already awarded) and a recommended $10 million from the State Parks Acquisition Fund (a non‑general fund account created from proceeds of state land/building sales). Richards said more than $30 million is currently available in the fund and that the package would not draw on general‑fund dollars.
Multiple conservation and local government groups offered support, and former Senator Emmett Hanger and other speakers urged the committee to report the bill. DCR Director Nikki Rovner said she had no position yet, noting she was in the job two days.
Outcome: the committee voted to report and refer SB 157 to the Finance Committee for additional review of funding and implementation details.
