ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Congress gave Chesapeake Bay restoration advocates a few gifts as it wrapped up its end-of-year business by renewing support for key programs, bolstering support for oyster recovery and promoting outdoor recreation and education.
In a major piece of bipartisan legislation, Congress overwhelmingly approved the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act, which supports important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts in the Bay watershed and throughout the country.
In this region, the act reauthorizes the operation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake WILD Program and the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways Program through 2030.
Such periodic reauthorizations are typically required for programs to be funded in the future, though they do not guarantee that Congress will provide money for them in the annual appropriations process.
The EPA Bay Program Office is responsible for coordinating the work of states and federal agencies to achieve Bay restoration goals. It supports core activities such as water quality monitoring and computer modeling, and it provides grants to states, nonprofit organizations and others to support Chesapeake-related work. The act authorizes $92 million per year for the program.
The Chesapeake WILD (Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense) Program makes grants that improve fish and wildlife habitat in the Bay watershed and promote public access to the water and community engagement. The program is authorized at $15 million a year.
The Gateways Program is a system of 200 natural, cultural, historic and recreational sites that provide a “gateway” or entry point for people to learn about and experience the Bay and its rivers. The program is authorized at $3 million a year.
The ACE Act also supports a number of national conservation initiatives that can also benefit the Bay, including measures that promote wetland conservation and restoration. It was passed with bipartisan support.
“Collaborative conservation has always been at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, and the ACE Act of 2024 reaffirms the federal government’s role in the stewardship of the Bay and provides the program stability during this dynamic period in the restoration effort,” said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD).
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) said the legislation would “continue record investment in our nation’s precious natural resources, support our agricultural communities and preserve wildlife, waters and lands for generations to come.”
Earlier in December, Congress signed off on the Watershed Resources Development Act, which guides actions by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers around the nation. The act increased the amount the Corps is allowed to spend on oyster restoration in the Bay from $100 million to $120 million.
The Corps, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the states of Maryland and Virginia, have been working to build large oyster reef restoration projects to help bolster populations of the critical species.
In addition, Congress approved the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE), which is aimed at advancing opportunities for public access to the water and recreation on public lands, including improving and expanding trail networks, restoring campgrounds and modernizing other infrastructure that supports outdoor recreation.
The legislation includes the Outdoors for All Act, which provides federal support for expanding outdoor recreational opportunities in urban and low-income communities. It supports trails, green spaces, playgrounds and cultural gathering spaces in underserved communities.