Governor Kaine Signs Legislation Designating New Virginia Scenic River Site
Governor Kaine Signs Legislation Designating New Virginia Scenic River Site
- Bills establish a section of the Meherrin as a scenic river -
LAWRENCEVILLE - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today signed legislation that adds a section of the Meherrin River in Brunswick County to the Virginia Scenic River System. The designation provides the Meherrin with official recognition of the natural, scenic, historic, and recreational value of the river.
House Bill 104 and identical Senate Bill 527, introduced by Delegate Thomas Wright and Senator Frank Ruff, designate the 37-mile segment of the Meherrin River which runs through Brunswick County as a state scenic river.
"It's great to see people from across the Lawrenceville community work together to designate the Meherrin as a Virginia Scenic River," Governor Kaine said. "This river is a vital part of the community's character, and this partnership will help to see that our children will enjoy the river for generations to come just as we enjoy it today. These scenic river designations help localities, like Lawrenceville, increase ecotourism, promote the area's natural beauty and quality of life, and add protections for water quality."
Virginia's Scenic Rivers Program is driven by locally submitted requests, and the designation of the Meherrin was requested by the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors. County Historian Gay Neale originally petitioned to have the Meherrin River designated as a Virginia Scenic River, and has spent over a decade working towards this goal.
Governor Kaine was joined at today's ceremonial bill signing by Brunswick County officials at the historic Gholson Bridge, spanning the Meherrin River. The bridge is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
The Governor was in Lawrenceville with his family as a part of their participation in Bike Virginia, a bicycling tour that spans across Southside Virginia from South Hill to Emporia.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/2006/Jun06/0625.cfm