Maryland Governor Parris Glendening has announced a new $12 million, two year initiative to restore degraded streams, improve water quality and enhance the quality of life across the state.
"The new Maryland Partnership Agreement builds on the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement by encouraging local governments to work together to develop plans and programs that will protect and preserve this region's most important natural resource, the Chesapeake Bay," Glendening said.
The stream restoration initiative, including partnerships with the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and local governments, combines $6 million in state funds with a $6 million local match, with the goal of improving water quality, reducing nutrient and sediment pollution and protecting existing roads, bridges and sewer lines.
"For years, many urban streams have been neglected. Along with the water quality benefits, these restoration projects will improve habitat in these streams for fish and other living resources, making them places where our children, and their children can learn and play," Glendening said.
Glendening also joined local leaders from across the state in signing the Local Government Partnership Agreement, which helps Maryland achieve the goals of the landmark Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement. The voluntary agreements commit Maryland and its counties to work with Maryland's Tributary Teams to protect water quality for living resources, and to develop revised plans to reduce nutrient pollution reaching the Chesapeake Bay. The agreements address the goals identified by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement for developing growth plans and policies, as well as pursuing funding and other incentives to support local government watershed restoration programs.
SOURCE: Environment News Service