Congress supports Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails
Dec 20, 2011
Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy today commended U.S. Senators and Representatives from the Chesapeake region for extending and funding the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails program for another year.
Funding and authorization to continue the Gateways and Watertrails program was contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 approved by the Congress December 17th.
Congress' action means that the National Park Service will be able to provide matching grants and technical assistance to state and local governments and non-profit organizations throughout the six-state Chesapeake watershed to conserve, interpret and promote access to the Chesapeake's unique natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources, including the Captain John Smith Chesapeake and Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trails.
"Led by Senators Cardin and Mikulski and Representative Sarbanes, our region's Congressional delegation, clearly recognizes the value of connecting people to the Bay and its great rivers," said Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy. "The Gateways and Watertrails program not only opens doors to stewardship and learning about our national treasure, but supports our state and local economies through recreation and tourism."
Established by Congress in 1998, the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails program has helped to develop more than 1,500 miles of watertrails, enhance public access to the region's special places and resources, educate citizens about the watershed and its history, promote conservation stewardship and motivate people to engage in watershed restoration. Since the program's inception every dollar invested has leveraged $1.55 in non-Federal matching funds - making it a very cost-effective program.
President Obama's budget request to the Congress for Fiscal 2012 included $2 million to continue the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Program as part of the National Park Service's National Recreation and Preservation Appropriation for natural programs. Congress approved the full amount the President requested for this appropriation.
Funding and authorization to continue the Gateways and Watertrails program was contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 approved by the Congress December 17th.
Congress' action means that the National Park Service will be able to provide matching grants and technical assistance to state and local governments and non-profit organizations throughout the six-state Chesapeake watershed to conserve, interpret and promote access to the Chesapeake's unique natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources, including the Captain John Smith Chesapeake and Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trails.
"Led by Senators Cardin and Mikulski and Representative Sarbanes, our region's Congressional delegation, clearly recognizes the value of connecting people to the Bay and its great rivers," said Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy. "The Gateways and Watertrails program not only opens doors to stewardship and learning about our national treasure, but supports our state and local economies through recreation and tourism."
Established by Congress in 1998, the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails program has helped to develop more than 1,500 miles of watertrails, enhance public access to the region's special places and resources, educate citizens about the watershed and its history, promote conservation stewardship and motivate people to engage in watershed restoration. Since the program's inception every dollar invested has leveraged $1.55 in non-Federal matching funds - making it a very cost-effective program.
President Obama's budget request to the Congress for Fiscal 2012 included $2 million to continue the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Program as part of the National Park Service's National Recreation and Preservation Appropriation for natural programs. Congress approved the full amount the President requested for this appropriation.
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