Critical Legislation Moves Ahead

On Thursday, September 10th, the US House of Representatives passed legislation to permanently establish the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Right now, the Network faces re-authorization every 5 years.The bill, HR 965, was introduced by Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD). Here is a press release from his office.

The Senate is also considering a companion bill, S. 479, introduced by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) Earlier this summer, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the legislation (S 479) by voice vote on June 18, but the full body has not yet voted on this bill.

 Here is some of what members of Congress had to say about the Network:

 ”The Gateways program is a critical component to fostering a commitment among our citizens to restore the bay,” – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-MD

 ”Each of these sites tells a piece of the vast Chesapeake story,” – Michael Arcuri, D-NY

“It sends a very powerful message to the citizenry in the Chesapeake Bay watershed that the federal government is ready to be a partner on a permanent basis,” – John Sarbanes, D-MD