Senators concerned over funding for Bay programs

A letter signed by the six senators from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia was sent to the Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies in regards to federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Program.

The letter urged the subcommittee to reauthorize appropriations for the programs to ensure funding continues for the two vital components, the Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Gateways Grants Assistance Program.

Just over $2 million was committed to the program for fiscal year 2017, and cuts in the Trump proposed budget have caused concerns over funding for this program.

Visitation at gateways exceeds 10 million annually and the competitive grants program is oversubscribed every year.

The letter closes by stating how critical the reliable partnership with the federal government is in providing access to the Chesapeake.

"For now we want to preserve the funding from last year so that we can continue to expand the Chesapeake Gateway, and Trails Program, and make sure that we build on the progress that we've made.  This has been an important engine for tourism on the eastern shore and throughout the Bay Watershed," said Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Van Hollen went on to say the Trump budget cuts the program in half, while the letter is asking for a preservation of the funds for fiscal year 2018.