The National Fish and Wildlife Fundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday that the Chesapeake Bay Watershed is receiving over $12 million for conservation.
The $12.6 million will go towards grants that will improve the waterways, restore habitats, and strengthen iconic species in the bay.
"Through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and our partners, especially the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, continue to invest in locally-led efforts to protect and restore the more than 100,000 miles of local rivers and streams that feed the Bay," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO, NFWF. "These investments demonstrate that the actions necessary to restore local rivers and streams go hand in hand with opportunities to enhance local communities like those here in Middle River."
This year, 44 grant projects in Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C., will engage homeowners and businesses to help the quality of life in their communities, while also helping the bay.
The projects also aim to generate new economic activity, create jobs, and save public money in the long run, all while improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
According to the NFWF, the grants will generate more than $21.2 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $33.8 million.
