U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin announced today that $298,000 in Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants will go to seven community-based organizations in Anne Arundel County. These grants help communities clean up and improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

   The EPA's Small Watershed Grants allow communities to become involved in restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. The Bay is a national treasure and it's up to all of us to restore and protect it for future generations. These grants help make that possible," said Rep. Cardin.

   "Local stewardship is essential if the Chesapeake Bay and its 110,000 miles of rivers and streams are to be protected," said Sen. Paul Sarbanes. "These small grants will help local governments and communities undertake a variety of restoration actions that address the Bay's water quality."

   "I am delighted that the federal government has provided funds for worthy environmental projects in Anne Arundel County through the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program. These grants will make a real difference in protecting our environment," said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens.

   The proposed projects are reviewed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and are selected based on criteria paralleling commitments set forth in the Chesapeake 2000 agreement. The agreement calls on Bay states and the District of Columbia to combine efforts with watershed organizations to restore local water quality.

   In Anne Arundel County, the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

• $40,000 to Alliance for Community Education to construct seven demonstration sites showcasing a variety of techniques for environmentally sensitive development;
• $50,000 to Global Action Plan to reduce non-point source pollution in Maryland and Virginia. Maryland project partners include the City of Annapolis and Weems Creek Conservancy;
• $35,000 to Severn River Association to develop a community-based watershed restoration strategy for the Severn River;
• $50,000 to Chesapeake Appreciation, Inc. to restore a 5-acre oyster reef in Harness Creek, South River;
• $32,095 to City of Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department to help in restoring 1,500-foot wetland zone along Spa Creek in Truxton Park;
• $41,900 to Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to restore an oyster reef and associated submerged aquatic vegetation plantings in the Severn River. This is being done in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Maryland Department of Natural Resources;
• $50,000 to Chesapeake Bay Foundation for creation of an intertidal oyster reef along the eastern shore of Whitehall Bay.