{"id":9687,"date":"2016-01-20T11:13:58","date_gmt":"2016-01-20T16:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=9687"},"modified":"2017-04-14T15:48:19","modified_gmt":"2017-04-14T19:48:19","slug":"governor-hogan-pledges-millions-for-bay-restoration-and-land-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2016\/01\/20\/governor-hogan-pledges-millions-for-bay-restoration-and-land-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Hogan Pledges Millions for Bay Restoration and Land Conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Highest State Investment for Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ducks<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Governor Hogan today announced an investment of $53 million for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund<\/a> and $60 million over two years for land acquisition and preservation programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This marks the first time in state history that revenue dedicated for Chesapeake Bay restoration was not diverted to the General Fund. In addition, the governor\u2019s budget blueprint phases out planned financial transfers from land conservation and preservation programs, including Program Open Space.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaryland is leading the charge on many of the goals set forth in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,\u201d Governor Larry Hogan said. \u201cThis dedicated funding for the Trust Fund will enhance our efforts even further, and cement our position as ecological and environmental leaders. Through these commitments, we signal our commitment to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and the improvement of our public lands, both locally and statewide.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund helps Maryland accelerate bay restoration goals by focusing its resources on the most cost-effective restoration projects.\u00a0To date, the fund has directed $295 million to more than 1,850 projects aimed at reducing harmful nutrient and sediment runoff into the bay.\u00a0The budget would provide the highest level of funding for the trust fund since its formation.<\/p>\n

Land acquisition, conservation, preservation and recreation programs, such as Program Open Space, are typically funded by the transfer tax and \u2013 under previous administrations \u2013 have seen significant withdrawals to cover other administrative and legislative priorities. Those withdrawals will lessen under the budget and eventually end under new authorizing legislation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am thrilled that we are restoring funding to our land conservation programs, like Program Open Space and Rural Legacy, as well as fully funding the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, one of the most important tools targeting bay and water quality,\u201d Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/a> Secretary Mark Belton said.\u00a0\u201cThese \u2018green\u2019 investments \u2013 historic in shape, size and significance \u2013 will improve the health of local waterways, accelerate land conservation and preservation efforts, and ultimately restore the beauty, health and vitality of the bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Governor Larry Hogan\u2019s submitted his FY2017 budget<\/a> earlier today.<\/p>\n

Additional Budget Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n