HB 1340 (Hodges) was intended to address the “donut hole” problem in localities subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act by requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to assume responsibility for managing stormwater related functions for land-disturbing activities between 2,500 square feet and one acre. VACo supported this measure. On February 10, the Commerce, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Technology Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee voted to table the measure. HB 1340 generated a fiscal impact statement estimating that the DEQ would incur an annual cost of $380,000 if the bill were to pass. A work group will focus on the “donut hole” issue over the next year.
VACo Contact: Larry Land, CAE