In late September, the U.S. Senate passed legislation containing an appropriations request by U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, (both D-MD) of $1 million for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Funding for the Network supports matching grants to sites around the Chesapeake Bay watershed for development of high-quality interpretation, access or conservation and restoration projects.

“The Chesapeake Bay Watertrails Network is instrumental to making the entire Chesapeake Bay experience accessible and enjoyable for Marylanders and all Americans,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

“The Chesapeake Bay is part of who we are as Marylanders – it is part of our heritage and part of our culture. I am proud to support the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network,” said Senator Mikulski, a member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that funds this program. “The Gateways Program will help record our history, protect the Bay, reflect our values, and renew our sense of pride and wonder. I will continue to fight to preserve our national treasure and its history for future generations.”