Good news for Lake Anna: Governor Spanberger has signed a new state budget that includes important funding for the lake in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028. Since the state budget year begins July 1, some of this money should be available soon to support projects that improve boater safety and protect the lake’s health.
The budget includes two Lake Anna funding items through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. That agency will pass the money to Louisa County, which will oversee the finances. The Lake Anna Advisory Committee will manage both projects.
The first item provides $750,000 in FY27 and $500,000 in FY28 to help reduce harmful algal blooms in three upper-lake tributaries. This adds to $1.75 million the state has already provided in earlier years for the Lake Anna Phosphorus Remediation Program. In simple terms, that program is working to improve water quality by reducing the phosphorus that feeds algae growth, both from lake-bottom sediments and from incoming tributary water.
The second item provides $30,000 in each of the next two fiscal years for hydrilla control and buoy maintenance. This money will help manage the spread of hydrilla and support the upkeep of navigational and hazard buoys on the lake. The Lake Anna Advisory Committee has overseen both of these efforts since 1994.
Overall, this funding is a major win for Lake Anna. It shows that the state recognizes the importance of protecting water quality, improving boating safety, and supporting the long-term health of the lake and the local economy.
“It should be noted that many worked hard to convince the General Assembly that investing in the health of Lake Anna was a wise decision. The Lake Anna Civic Association spent time and money to lobby legislators. LAAC has been a good steward of previous funding. Louisa and Spotsylvania County legislators and staff have been instrumental, too,” noted LAAC Chairman Christopher C. McCotter.
