Infrastructure Bill to Include Key Investments for Chesapeake Bay Restoration
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, the release of a summary of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act shows that the bill contains a provision of $238 million for the Chesapeake Bay through EPA. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement:
"We are thrilled to hear of this major investment to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams, while also supporting new and existing jobs. This support will serve as a shot in the arm to move us closer to the 2025 deadline to have all pollution reduction practices in place as part of the Bay's pollution diet, known as the Chesapeake Bay TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load).
"Investing in clean water infrastructure throughout the Chesapeake Bay's 64,000-square mile watershed will maximize the resilience of land and water resources to protect communities, improve public health, and safeguard the environment. And with the growing threats posed by climate change, including sea-level rise and larger and more frequent floods and storms, this support is very timely.
"While currently there is ambiguity on the exact allocation of this funding, we are heartened to see the restoration of our waterways is recognized as a national priority. This investment will not only help provide all the benefits clean water brings, but the many on-the-ground restoration projects this funding supports will also deliver good jobs and stimulate local economies.
"We look forward to seeing the introduction of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and urge every member of Congress to vote for this historic investment for our future. As we work to leave a legacy of clean water, funding such as this is essential to reaching our goals."
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