Posted on January 22, 2019
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has proposed major funding to restore the Chesapeake Bay and protect the surrounding environment, in the fiscal year 2020 budget.
The 2020 budget will continue to fully fund transfer tax programs that provide support for state and local land conservation and recreation programs.
The budget also includes $117.1 million in Bay Restoration Funding to support projects for a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. Those projects include upgrading sewage treatment plants, cover crops and grants for other nutrient reduction programs such as sewer hookups for failing septic systems.
For the fourth year in a row, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund will receive $53.6 million, fully funded by the Hogan administration, for bay restoration efforts.
For a third year, young Maryland farmers will be provided $2.5 million, to acquire farmland to implement sustainable agricultural practices under the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition program. The budget also includes $200,000 to match county contributions towards efforts to control nuisance insects.
Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder says he supports the Governor’s initiative to allocate specific money towards cleaning up the state’s environment.
“Maryland farmers are often recognized as the gold standard for soil and water conservation,” said Bartenfelder. “This budget reflects the strong commitment the Hogan administration, our state agencies, and the agriculture industry have to improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay and protecting our natural resources. I fully support this budget that will ensure our farmers continue to be national leaders in conservation.”
Source: WBOC
