Van Hollen, Cardin Announce More Than $1.8 Million for Maryland Coastal Bays, Wetlands Restoration

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $1,819,600 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation to help the Atlantic Coast and Eastern Shore become more resilient.

The funding comes through the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program. The award will be used to implement 52 actions on the Maryland Coastal Bay Foundation’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, which in part include coastal habitat restoration, public education and outreach and climate change resilience efforts for Newport Bay, Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, Sinepuxent Bay and Chincoteague Bay. 

“So much of Maryland’s economy and identity is connected to our estuaries and the waterways that flow into them, but the threat of climate change has put a strain on their health,” said the lawmakers. “Not only will this funding support critical wetland restoration and resilience efforts, but it will also help support the education of the next generation of coastal caretakers.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is monumental legislation that has invested billions in America’s infrastructure, including to combat climate change and deploy clean energy.