CHAPTER 277

An Act to create the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Study Commission;
and to appropriate funds.
[(S 147]

Approved March 31, 1964

Whereas, there is constantly increasing demand for outdoor recre-
ation facilities and constantly decreasing open space for providing these
facilities; and

Whereas, Virginia’s population is increasing rapidly and becoming
yvercrowded in urban and suburban areas; and
Whereas, the Commonwealth has no comprehensive policy or plan for
meeting present and anticipated needs for outdoor recreation; and

Whereas, it is recognized that adequate outdoor recreation facilities
are vital to Virginia’s general happiness and social and economic develop-
ment; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. §1. There is hereby created a Commission of fifteen members to be
known as the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Study Commission. The
membership shall be appointed by the Governor.

§ 2. The Governor shall designate the Chairman of the Commission.
Members of the Commission shall be reimbursed their expenses incurred
in the performance of their duties but shall be paid no other compensation.

§ 3. The Commission shall inventory and appraise the federal, State,
and local outdoor recreation facilities in Virginia in relation to its estimate
of present and projected needs. It shall describe that part of the total needs
which are the responsibility of the State and offer a program for meeting
these needs. The Commission shall indicate local needs and responsibilities
and determine what the State should do by way of providing new legis-
lation, financial aid, planning assistance, or otherwise to assist local gov-
ernments in meeting their local outdoor recreation needs. It shall also
consider means of aiding and encouraging individuals and private enter-
prise to plan and support local and State plans for the preservation of
open space for present and future needs.

The Commission may employ consultants and full-time personnel,
and may rent office space, if needed, in pursuit of its task.

§ 4. The Commission may accept and expend gifts, grants and
donations from any and all sources and persons.

2. For the expenses of the Commission and its work there is hereby
appropriated from the general fund of the State treasury the sum of
twenty-four thousand dollars and there is further appropriated to it all
gifts, grants and donations received for such purpose.

3. The Commission shall complete its study and report to the Governor
and the General Assembly not later than November one, nineteen hundred
sixty-five.