Delegate presents plan to preserve Oak Hill as state park; conservation fund says trust prevents data center development

A newly elected delegate from Fauquier County presented House Bill 500 to the Senate General Government subcommittee, calling for permanent preservation of about 1,200 acres in western Loudoun as a Virginia State Park. The patron described a funding package combining county contributions, a Virginia Land Conservation Foundation commitment, a potential federal grant and private philanthropic support.

The patron noted prior transactions and described how the proposed state park would offer recreation and conservation benefits close to a large portion of the state's population. He said the proposed acquisition would not require general fund dollars in its current funding model.

Alexander Macaulay, representing the Conservation Fund, told the committee the property's trust provisions prevent conversion to an industrial site: "You’re correct. It could not be developed as a data center," he said when asked about potential future uses.

Committee members expressed support for continued work on the proposal and moved to carry the bill over so negotiators could consider budget language and funding commitments. The committee recorded the vote as Ayes 14, Noes 0. The chair said the bill would continue to be considered as part of budget negotiations.