U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday announced $17.78 million in federal funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects benefiting the Eastern Shore as part of the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Funding bill.
“A clean and thriving Chesapeake Bay is essential to Maryland’s economy and the watermen, the tourism and fishing industries in particular,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“This funding will help maintain access to the Bay and preserve the natural treasures that boost communities on the Eastern Shore. As we work to increase investments that boost jobs in Maryland, I’ll continue to fight for funding that benefits the Bay and the entire region.”
The projects range from $13.7 million for beach replenishment in Ocean City to $2 million for the dredging of the Wicomico River near Salisbury.
In addition, another $1.4 million will go to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Assessment while $600.000 will help fund the Assateague Island Restoration Project.