December 5th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today announced the award of $1,564,898 for the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Sea Grant Program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) funds scientific research related to the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s coastal resources with practical applications benefitting Maryland industries, economies, and conservation groups.

 

“The futures of Maryland’s economy and of our environment depend on the investments we make in the Chesapeake Bay today,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Maryland Sea Grant serves an invaluable purpose, bringing together a wide variety of stakeholders and connecting problems with practical, research based solutions. I will continue to advocate for its robust funding.”

 

“The Maryland Sea Grant Program conducts crucial research and outreach to protect and improve the health of Chesapeake Bay. This funding will help ensure their essential work will continue,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees. “A clean and thriving Bay is vital to Maryland’s economy, wildlife, and environment, and I will continue to fight for those priorities in the Senate.”

 

This investment builds on the $1.24 million which the Senators announced in June. While President Trump’s budget proposed eliminating the program, Senators Cardin and Van Hollen supported and helped secure strong federal funding through the appropriations process.