Richmond City Initiatives
Much of the re-finding of the river has been perpetuated by the Richmond government. Richmond has become a young, hip city and the river has become a symbol of the new identity. The Mighty James runs through the heart of Virginia's capitol and as such the government is inherently connected to it. Rather than abusing the James, as in generations past, the current legislature is investing in America's Founding River.
What has the City Done?
The City of Richmond's most obvious act of legislation has been the creation of the James River Park System. The Park system, consisting of some 550 acres along the river, has recently received a protection easement, forbidding any new development on this land. The Parks, Community, and Recreation Committee is charged with protecting the parks, with significant help from the Friends of the James.
In addition to setting aside a park system, the city has also enacted hundreds of laws regarding water pollution following the Clean Water Act of 1972. The regulations imposed on the city are more stringent than the EPA's in hopes of having a faster recovery of the James River. These laws can be reviewed here at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ also publishes laws regarding pollution, which can be viewed here.
What is the City Planning on Doing?
The City has recently (November of 2012) adopted an ambitious new Riverfront Master Plan which aims to invest heavily into the river. The plan has the establishment of new parks, the creation of a river taxi, designation of recreational areas, expansion of trail-ways, and beautification efforts. The plan is extremely intensive and the full report (Linked again here) is an impressive step toward further defining Richmond's image as a Sustainable City. With this plan, Richmond hopes to fully embrace the river culture not usually found on this side of the Mississippi.
Richmond's ambitious plan makes it unique in that it marks clearly that Richmond is trying to become a Sustainable City.
How Can We Help?
Anyone can contact the Virgina State Government by emailing, writing or calling their elected representatives. You can also contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Department here. In addition, you can join the multitude of organizations that work on behalf of the James. This list is available under the 'Additional Resource' tab found in 'James River Watershed'.