Va. Code § 28.2-621
When the Commissioner receives information that the Secretary of the Army has been authorized by congressional action to conduct a survey on a specified navigation improvement project, the Commissioner shall obtain the consent and approval of the Governor before leasing any public oyster-planting grounds which may be required for dredging operations or spoil disposal areas in connection with the project. If after the completion of the survey and submission of the district engineers' report to the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, the proposed navigation improvement project is not authorized, the affected ground will again become available for lease and assignment.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the renewal of any lease already in existence at the time the Commissioner receives information as to the authorization of a survey.
Va. Code § 28.2-621