Virginia Code Title 62.1. Waters of the State, Ports and Harbors § 62.1-229.3. Loans for land conservation

Loans may be made from the Fund, in the Board's discretion, to a local government or a holder as defined in § 10.1-1009 for acquiring fee simple title to or a permanent conservation or open-space easement in real property upon the local government or holder establishing to the satisfaction of the Board that the acquisition will (i) protect or improve water quality and prevent the pollution of state waters, and (ii) protect the natural or open-space values of the property or assure its availability for agricultural, forestal, recreational, or open-space use. The Board shall consult with the Department of Conservation and Recreation in making a determination on whether the acquisition will meet the above requirements. Unless otherwise required by law, loans for land acquisition may be made only in fiscal years in which all loan requests from local governments for eligible projects as defined in § 62.1-224 have first been satisfied. The Board shall develop guidelines for the administration of such loans.