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Maryland Department of the Environment

Maryland Department of the Environment Announces $17 Million in Clean Water Commerce Funding for Cecil, Kent and Charles County Projects

Board of Public Works approves support for projects delivering local jobs and measurable pollution reduction results


BALTIMORE (May 20, 2026) – The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced nearly $17 million for projects to reduce water pollution, improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and support Maryland’s economy through an innovative pay-for-success model.

The projects – two stream restorations on the Eastern Shore and a shoreline restoration in southern Maryland – will deliver quantified nutrient pollution reductions through Maryland’s Clean Water Commerce Act.

“These investments keep our communities safe and our economy strong,” said Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This is about real results. We are cleaning the water and creating good local jobs. We only pay for projects that work. This is about a cleaner Chesapeake Bay, climate resilience and higher property values.”

The Clean Water Commerce Act is a key tool in the state’s effort to meet pollution reduction goals, focusing on cost-effective, verifiable, and measurable projects. Instead of funding projects upfront, the state only pays for guaranteed results demonstrating cost-effective clean water solutions.

The total of nearly $17 million approved today by the Maryland Board of Public Works will support:

  • Stumpf Farm Stream Restoration (Cecil County): This ShoreRivers project improves water quality, habitat, and local resilience. It is expected to cut nitrogen pollution by 27,000 pounds per year with up to $8.4 million in funding.
  • Sears Farm Stream Restoration (Kent County): This ShoreRivers project will stabilize 4,000 feet of stream to reduce nitrogen pollution by 9,400 pounds annually. The state is providing up to $4.9 million for these results.
  • Indian Head Shoreline Restoration (Charles County): This project protects an environmental justice community by enhancing shoreline stability and providing an estimated nitrogen reduction of 1,700 pounds per year. It is supported by up to $3.7 million in funding.

These Clean Water Commerce Act projects are part of the state’s comprehensive approach to public health, environmental safety, and economic growth through improved water management.

Governor Wes Moore included more than $400 million in his FY27 budget for Chesapeake Bay and clean water projects. These projects create local jobs, improve public spaces and enhance property values. Cleaner waterways bolster tourism in Maryland, which generates about $3.2 billion a year in economic activity. Improved water quality and habitat also benefits Maryland’s seafood industry, which contributes nearly $600 million to the state’s economy each year.



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