MARYLAND - Maryland legislators have announced almost $13 million aimed at bolstering coastal restoration and resilience projects in the state.
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume, said in a joint statement that $12,901,800 has been committed to improving coastal communities along with fish and wildlife habitats.
The funding comes from the National Coastal Resilience Fund and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the lawmakers. Improving climate resilience and reducing the risk of rising sea levels and intense storms are among the aims of the funding.
The following projects are set to receive the funding:
-Backyard Basecamp, $202,600, for Design and Permitting for Stream Daylighting and Restoration of Biddison Run in Baltimore City
-Chesapeake Bay Foundation, $843,500, for Restoring Oyster Reefs and Improving Resilience in the Severn River through Community Engagement
-Delmarva Resource Conservation and Development Council, $2,253,400, for Advancing Coastal Resilience through Salt Marsh Restoration in Coastal Bays
-Dorchester County Council, $700,000, for Utilizing Living Shoreline Techniques to Reduce Erosion in the Hoopersville Village District
-GreenTrust Alliance, $1,519,900, for the Final Design and Permitting for the Blossom Point Shoreline Stabilization Project
-The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, $819,300, for Establishing a Nature-Based Resilience Pilot with the Annapolis Maritime Resilience Initiative
-The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Restoration, $1,340,400, for the Restoration of an Urban Stream to Create a Holistic Stream, Wetland, and Shoreline Complex
-South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, $1,294,500, for Designing the Smith Cove Environmental Justice Project
-South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, $1,500,000, for Restoring Medstar Harbor Hospital Wetland and Shoreline
-Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Board, $2,428,200, for the Living Shoreline and Terrapin Habitat Restoration Near Naval Air Station Patuxent River
“Climate change is an existential threat that affects every community, but coastal communities are particularly vulnerable,” said the group of lawmakers. “This funding will help Maryland communities implement comprehensive solutions to address issues like flooding and coastal erosion. Across the state, we’re investing in projects to restore and protect our shorelines and habitats and create more sustainable, resilient communities.”
