Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Annual Report

Statewide Program Focuses on Most Cost-Effective and Efficient Water Quality Improvement Projects

Bishopville Dam Removal Project

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources released today the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund 2018 Annual Report, which details the program’s activities, expenditures and initiatives, including restoring 2,700 acres of wetlands, installing 1,161 acres of riparian buffer and educating and engaging over 34,600 students and volunteers.

The Trust Fund focuses limited financial resources on the most cost-effective and efficient pollution control and mitigation projects.

Governor Larry Hogan has continued to demonstrate his commitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration by fully funding the Trust Fund for the last three years.

“The Trust Fund is so successful enhancing and improving our environment and natural resources because of its singular focus on reducing nutrients and sediment before they reach our treasured watersheds, but the benefits reach far beyond improved water quality,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “By leveraging local partnerships and utilizing innovative technologies, these critical state investments also work to improve our state’s resilience to climate change, expand natural habitats and grow and sustain local communities and economies.”

Since 2009, the environmental financing program has directed $400 million to local governments and nonprofits for more than 2,200 nonpoint source pollution projects. Staff works with local partners on using natural systems and stormwater best management practices to improve the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays and local waterways.

Governor Hogan’s investment of $52.9 million in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, includes $23.13 million to aid local communities meet their nutrient and sediment reduction goals in support of the state’s Watershed Implementation Plan. In addition to competitive grants, the Trust Fund will also provide $11.25 million for cover crops and $3.29 million to support local soil conservation districts.

The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund is a collaborative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Department of Planning and University of Maryland.