Chesapeake Bay Advocates Spotlight Damage from Federal Funding Freeze on Capitol Hill
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Today, nearly 100 members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition met with their members of Congress to urge support for the restoration of the rivers and streams that feed the Chesapeake Bay. With the federal funding freeze blocking critical clean water programs throughout the region, the Coalition is asking Congress to reaffirm their longstanding commitment to the Bay restoration effort.
For more than a decade, the six states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the District of Columbia have worked with the federal government on a historic restoration program. Projects supported with federal investments have not only generated positive environmental benefits, but also created jobs and stimulated local economies. The federal funding freeze is jeopardizing communities throughout the region.
"Everyone wants clean water. Clean rivers and streams are an economic driver, safeguard of public health, and a cultural treasure. But without federal support, the Bay restoration effort is heading upstream without a paddle," said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. "The pause in federal funding for clean water projects is putting community partners, like farmers, small businesses, and localities, in dire financial situations. We are eager to tell these stories to members of Congress and urge them to recommit to these critical programs that benefit so many communities."
At the forefront of asks for legislators is maintaining critical funding for EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program. Two-thirds of Bay Program funding supports on-the-ground projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed states and the District of Columbia. This support plants trees to improve wildlife habitat, installs conservation practices on farmland, improves oyster and crab populations, and funds other activities that improve local water quality. Other asks include policies to increase the harvesting of invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and support for the Chesapeake WILD Program, a grant program that assists local partners with on-the-ground habitat restoration.
"As Coastal Virginians, the Chesapeake Bay is a vital part of our economy, environment, and way of life," said Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA). "From our vibrant aquaculture to our bustling tourism industry, our Commonwealth relies on a clean and healthy Bay. We must be responsible stewards of our environment and work together to make our coastal communities more resilient for generations to come. I will always fight to ensure we continue to protect the coastal waterways that provide so much for us here in Virginia’s Second District."
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) added, "The Chesapeake Bay is the crown jewel of our great state. I appreciated the opportunity to speak at Chesapeake Bay Day and look forward to continued engagement with our incredible partners to protect the Bay now and forever."
The thirteenth annual Choose Clean Water Coalition's Chesapeake Bay Day on Capitol Hill held 41 meetings with members of Congress. There were also 170 organizations signing letters endorsing the Coalition's appropriations asks. In addition to meeting with members of Congress, 10 members of Congress spoke at the aforementioned luncheon gathering of advocates.
EPA CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM GRANTS – BY STATE
(FY2024–$92 million enacted level/$47.6 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)
| Jurisdiction | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Delaware | $4,636,152 |
| District of Columbia | $3,154,752 |
| Maryland | $23,521,939 |
| New York | $6,756,551 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,590,611 |
| Virginia | $22,004,277 |
| West Virginia | $4,453,572 |
| TOTAL | $99,117,853 |
The Choose Clean Water Coalition, an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 300 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
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org
