May 26, 2017

Van Hollen, Cardin Announce More Than $1 Million in Funding for Maryland Department of Natural Resources

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $1.09 million in federal funding for Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. The funding comes from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will be used to improve water quality monitoring throughout the Chesapeake Bay, including greater data analysis capabilities. Sediment and nutrient monitoring programs like the Chesapeake Bay Program's will be notable beneficiaries.

"A healthy Bay is essential to the vitality of Maryland's economy and environment," said Senator Van Hollen, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Critical to that effort is accurate water quality monitoring to know where we're making progress, and where we need to focus additional resources. This funding is welcome news for the effort to revitalize the Bay - and I will fight tooth and nail against the Trump Administration's effort to dismantle our cleanup effort."

"The Chesapeake Bay is integral to Maryland's way of life, from our recreational activities to the thousands of jobs and families that depend on its resources. This federal investment in water quality monitoring will help ensure that those families' livelihoods stay intact and that our children will have a healthier, cleaner Bay than the one passed down to us," said Senator Cardin, a senior member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "I am pleased that the EPA continues to invest in the health of the Chesapeake Bay, following the will of Congress rather than giving any consideration to the President's plan to zero out funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program in FY18. Senator Van Hollen and I will fight for robust funding for the Bay with every tool available."