Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force Co-Chairs Applaud $93 Million in EPA Bay Program Funding
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01), and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), co-chairs of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, celebrated the House passage of $93 million in Chesapeake Bay Program funding – and millions more in funding for other critical federal programs that support the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The investments were passed as part of the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment appropriations bills.
“The Bay is the cornerstone of our region’s economy and culture. Today, Congress came together to pass critical federal funding to improve water quality, combat pollution, and protect against invasive species. In the face of reckless cuts by this Administration, $93 million of Chesapeake Bay Program funding is a significant investment in protecting the work of our scientists and researchers. Ultimately, the investments we make today will ensure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.
“As a former marine scientist and lifelong fisherman, I fully understand how important our working waterfronts and seafood industry are to our state’s economy,” said Rep. Wittman. “I am pleased to see the Chesapeake Bay Office will receive $3.5 million to support oyster restoration efforts — creating new oyster habitats and stimulating the local economy. This funding is critical to ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay’s delicate ecosystem and resources are preserved for generations to come.”
"The future of the Chesapeake Bay relies on the collaboration between the federal government, the watershed states, and our community partners through the Chesapeake Bay Program,” said Congressman Scott. "For over 40 years, this partnership has guided us in addressing the issues that the Chesapeake Bay faces and has given us a cleaner Bay that supports our local economy and provides recreational opportunities. As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I am proud that Congress is expanding federal support for the Chesapeake Bay by increasing funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program and funding the many federal programs that advance the Chesapeake Bay's restoration.”
“Through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process, $93 million is provided for the Chesapeake Bay Program to support restoration and water quality efforts that directly impact Maryland’s waterways and Eastern Shore coastal communities, along with $2 million through NOAA to address invasive blue catfish threatening native species in the Bay. These investments protect Maryland’s fisheries, environment, and the livelihoods that depend on a healthy Chesapeake Bay,” said Congressman Harris.
Bay-Specific Funding:
$93 million for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program
$57.684 million for habitat conservation & restoration at NOAA, with $3.25 million specifically for oyster restoration in the Bay
$8 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program
$8.7 million for the NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program
$3 million for the National Parks Service’s (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network
$2 million for blue catfish (invasive species) mitigation in the Chesapeake Bay through NOAA
Related Environmental Funding:
$226.435 million for the EPA’s Pollution Control Grants
$175.25 million for the EPA’s Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants
$80 million for NOAA’s Sea Grant College Program
$67 million for the Marine Sanctuaries and Protected Areas
$50 million for the USGS Land Management Research Program
$14 million for NOAA’s Sea Grant Aquaculture Research
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force is designed to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a crucial resource for several Mid-Atlantic states. The Task Force educates members of Congress on and provides a bipartisan forum for policy discussions and joint action related to water quality, conservation, resource management and recreation issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This includes developing regional policy initiatives and supporting sustained and robust appropriations targets that can help the watershed achieve its pollution reduction goals under the Chesapeake Bay Program.
In the Maryland State Senate, Elfreth chaired the tri-state, bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Commission and worked with colleagues to pass the Whole Watershed Act, which promoted innovative, science-based solutions to waterway restoration efforts.
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