The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $22.4 million in grants to 13 selectees through the Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The grants will leverage $35.3 million in matching contributions, generating a total conservation impact of $57.7 million. This program is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a grant from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Over $12.4 million in funding comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the remaining $10 million from annual EPA appropriations.
The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate water quality improvements through collaborative regional-scale partnerships focused on water quality restoration and protection.
Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $200 million to over 250 projects, reducing 36 million pounds of nitrogen, nine million pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 800,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office Director Martha Shimkin. “It is inspiring to be working with so many awardees who have long been committed to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.”
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is vital for Maryland’s economy, environment, and the well-being of our families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “With these resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to foster partnerships to reduce nutrient runoff into the Bay watershed. These efforts both improve the Bay’s water quality and preserve natural wildlife habitat while supporting Maryland farmers.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is at the heart of Maryland’s economy and culture. And as the nation’s longest estuary, its significance is felt throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Securing its health and vitality is in all our best interests,” said Senator Cardin. “Through community partnerships and government action, we have made considerable progress in Bay restoration, but there is much more we need to do. While our dead zone is shrinking, urban and suburban runoff into the Bay is increasing and oyster crops are still not even close to their historic levels. With this additional support from the Biden Administration, we can invest in more community-led restoration projects that build on our progress and continue to preserve and protect one of our region’s most important natural resources.”
Below is a list of selectees:
- Chesapeake Conservancy Inc.: Accelerating Stream Delisting in Central Pennsylvania
- Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley: Accelerating Clean Water and Conservation Outcomes in Shenandoah Valley (VA)
- James River Association: Growing Riparian Partnerships to Improve Water Quality in the James River Watershed (VA)
- Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District: Stream Corridor Restoration in Upper Susquehanna Watershed (NY, PA)
- Sustainable Chesapeake: Improving Manure and Nutrient Management in Chesapeake Bay Region (MD, NY, VA, PA)
- Friends of the Rappahannock: Advancing Climate-Smart Conservation Through Innovation and Collaboration (VA)
- Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County: Reducing Runoff and Reaching New Leaders in Lancaster (PA)
- Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake: Developing Community Partnerships for Green Infrastructure & Equity Enhancement (PA)
- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Inc.: Sustainable Dairy Partnerships & Corporate Investment in Chesapeake Bay (MD, NY, PA, VA)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: Implementing Forestry Best Management Practices in Chesapeake Bay Watershed (PA)
- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Inc.: Increasing Riparian Forest Buffer Adoption Across Chesapeake Bay Watershed (MD, PA, VA WV)
- Trout Unlimited Inc.: Improving Water Quality Through Riparian Restoration Practices (VA WV)
- The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association: Accelerating Water Quality Outcomes Through Stronger Nutrient Stewardship Partnerships (DE MD PA)
For more information on recipients visit [link].
These awards reflect EPA's commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at restoring health productivity of Chesapeake Bay while advancing President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which ensures that 40% overall benefits certain federal investments flow disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment overburdened pollution.
Background:
The Chesapeake Bay Program involves federal agencies six states local governments academic institutions non-governmental organizations leading directing restoration protection 64k-square-mile watershed.
Visit EPA website learn more about support for CBP.
Visit EPA website learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available funding opportunities.
