Billion for the Bay Initiative Highlights Essential Need for Increased Federal Funding to Restore, Protect Clean Water

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, members of the Chesapeake Executive Council sent a letter to Congressional leadership proposing the Billion for the Bay Initiative. The Council—represented by the Governors of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, West Virginia, as well as the Mayor of the District of Columbia and the Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission—urges a significant increase in federal funding to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. The letter argues the proposed initiative would not only improve water quality but also stimulate state and local economies and create tens of thousands of jobs. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Acting Director Mariah Davis issued the following statement:

"The Billion for the Bay Initiative calls for increased federal funding to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. This type of Initiative is crucial to achieving our clean water goals, and we applaud the Chesapeake Executive Council for recognizing this vital need.

"We are heartened by the broad bipartisan and high level support for Bay watershed restoration funding. Despite the partisan discord that plagues our current political climate, elected leaders throughout the Bay watershed understand the importance of clean water for public health, local economies, and quality of life. As we work to leave a legacy of clean water to future generations, investments such as those proposed in the Billion for the Bay Initiative are essential."

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