Governor Spanberger Visits Tangier Island, Highlights Chesapeake Bay Conservation Efforts

Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 10, 2026 CONTACT: press@governor.virginia.gov Governor Spanberger Visits Tangier Island, Highlights Chesapeake Bay Conservation Efforts Spanberger: “It Is Imperative That We Protect Tangier Island and Those Who Call It Home” **CLICK HERE for Downloadable Photos of the Governor’s Visit to Tangier Island** TANGIER, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today visited Tangier Island to hear directly from local leaders and community members about the unique challenges facing their community and discuss her Administration’s focus on supporting Coastal Virginia’s economy and Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts.   The Governor joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and local leaders from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania for a quarterly meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Commission — an interstate advisory body focused on the restoration and protection of the nation’s largest estuary and its watershed. Virginia’s 2026-2027 biennial budget — signed by Governor Spanberger in June — includes record funding for Agricultural Best Management Practices to protect water quality, improve soil health, and keep Virginia steadily accelerating its Chesapeake Bay clean water goals.   “As Virginia’s last inhabited island in the Chesapeake Bay, it is imperative that we continue to support Tangier and the Virginians who call it home,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “It was my pleasure to meet with Mayor Ooker Eskridge and members of the community to connect with their way of life. Thank you for having me — your hospitality was second to none.”   Governor Spanberger continued, “I was glad to join the Chesapeake Bay Commission on Tangier — a place that truly underscores the real-world impact of the important work the Commission does to protect shared resources across the Chesapeake Bay region.”   Governor Spanberger visited the Tangier History Museum and dined at the historic Lorraine’s Restaurant to hear concerns from residents of Tangier about preserving their community. As she toured the island, Governor Spanberger was joined by longtime Tangier Mayor Ooker Eskridge. Governor Spanberger was joined by Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova, Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Joe Grist, and a bipartisan group of state and local leaders — including Senator Jeremy McPike, Senator Richard Stuart, Delegate Alex Askew, Delegate Betsy Carr, Delegate Rob Bloxom, and Delegate Gretchen Bulova on Tangier Island.   “Protecting Virginia’s environment is crucial to the wellbeing and way of life for each and every Virginian,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. “I am glad that Governor Spanberger’s Administration continues to put tangible effort into making sure Virginians across the commonwealth — especially in vulnerable regions — can live healthy lives and be better protected from environmental disasters.”   Governor Spanberger is focused on keeping Virginians safe and healthy, strengthening conservation efforts, and preserving Virginia’s natural beauty for future generations. In May, the Governor signed a series of bipartisan bills at Widewater State Park to protect Virginia’s natural resources — including legislation to address rising sea levels, protect Virginians from PFAS in drinking water, and refine the administration of the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund, which provides funds for local governments to prepare for flooding and other environmental disasters. ###

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