House Investments in Clean Water a Big Step for Chesapeake Bay
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—The U.S. House Interior Appropriations bill contains strong support for several programs that are critical to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. This includes $90.5 million for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program, an increase from $85 million. Of this $90.5 million, $10.375 million is designated for Small Watershed Grants, $10.375 million for Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants, and $8.75 million for state-based implementation. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Policy and Campaigns Manager Mariah Davis issued the following statement:
"We are extremely pleased with the strong level of support in the House Appropriations bill for clean water. The EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program is the glue that holds the Bay cleanup together, supporting on-the-ground projects that improve drinking water, reduce pollution from farmland, and create habitat for iconic species like striped bass, oysters, and blue crabs.
"As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for clean water is stronger than ever. This level of funding demonstrates a recognition of clean water's importance to both public health and our economy. Investments in clean water infrastructure and restoration programs create jobs and provide a boost to local economies, all while making our public parks and local waterways cleaner and safer. This support also will help low-income and minority communities suffering disproportionately from COVID-19 by targeting projects that provide access to clean water in vulnerable areas.
"With strong bipartisan support for clean water, we look forward to working with members of Congress to pass this legislation that takes a big step forward in restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams."
The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 250 local, state, regional, and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org