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2016 SESSION

16103928D
SENATE BILL NO. 624
Offered January 15, 2016
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 10.1-413.01 and by adding in Title 10.1 a chapter numbered 4.2, consisting of a section numbered 10.1-420, relating to the York River; scenic and historic designations.
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Patron-- Locke
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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 10.1-413.01 and by adding in Title 10.1 a chapter numbered 4.2, consisting of a section numbered 10.1-420, as follows:

§ 10.1-413.01. York River State Scenic River.

A. That portion of the York River in Gloucester and York Counties, from the Town of Allmondsville in Gloucester County (north side) and the York County/James City County border (south side) running approximately 20 miles southeastward to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay, is hereby designated a component of the Virginia Scenic Rivers System.

B. No dam or other structure that impedes the natural flow of the York River in Gloucester and York Counties shall be constructed, operated, or maintained within the section of the York River designated as a scenic river by this statute unless specifically authorized by an act of the General Assembly.

CHAPTER 4.2.
HISTORIC YORK RIVER.

§ 10.1-420. Declared a state historic river; planning for use and development.

A. In keeping with the public policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to conserve the portions of certain rivers possessing superior natural beauty, thereby ensuring their use and enjoyment for their historic, scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, cultural, and other values, that portion of the York River in Gloucester and York Counties, from the Town of Allmondsville in Gloucester County (north side) and the York County/James City County border (south side) running approximately 20 miles southeastward to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay, is hereby declared to be a historic river with noteworthy scenic and ecological qualities.

B. In all planning for the use or development of water or related land resources that would change the character of a stream or waterway or destroy its historic, scenic, or ecological values, full consideration and evaluation of the river as a historic, scenic, and ecological resource should be given before such work is undertaken. Alternative solutions should also be considered before such work is undertaken.

C. The General Assembly hereby designates the Department of Conservation and Recreation as the agency of the Commonwealth responsible for ensuring that the purposes of this chapter are achieved. Nothing in this designation shall impair the powers or duties of Gloucester or York County or the Virginia Department of Transportation.