Importantly, much of the work of Extension is performed by volunteers. Local government backs up its participation in Cooperative Extension by contributing 25 percent of the overall cost, and the federal government contributes another 25 percent. Those programs continue today. The Family Resource Management Program educates volunteers who work directly with people experiencing credit problems. With bankruptcy filings in Virginia rising 150 percent between 1981 and 1991, that is an educational program that has real meaning to the state.
Extension supports local government efforts in Northern Virginia to assist legal immigrants.
This program, which started at the request of the Arlington business community, is now fully financed by Arlington County. The program has value and addresses a real need in this fast-growing metropolitan area. Extension personnel are working with local governments across the state to protect our water supply. Homeowners, who account for a sizeable amount of pollution runoff, are educated as to the proper use of pesticides and fertilizers so they do not threaten our drinking water, rivers or the Chesapeake Bay. A significant component of our Extension operations is the 4-H program.