Office of the Governor press release, January 8, 2004

STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR^ CONTACT: Governor’s Office Shareese N. DeLeaver Henry P. Fawell (410)974.2316 Department of the Environment Jeff Welsh (410) 537.3010 Department of Natural Resources Heather Lynch (410) 260.8010 Governor Ehrlich Unveils Major Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiatives FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 8, 2004 ANNAPOLIS - Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today announced plans to dramatically strengthen State conservation efforts by creating two Chesapeake Bay protection funds. In an address before the Tri-State Chesapeake Bay Commission, Governor Ehrlich outlined plans to create a Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to upgrade 66 sewage treatment plants that discharge nutrient pollution into the Bay, and plans to launch a Chesapeake Bay Recovery Fund to strengthen the private sector’s stewardship of the Bay and its tributaries. “I am deeply committed to preserving and enhancing the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The goal of my administration’s new initiative is simple: restore the Chesapeake Bay to its rightful status as a great national treasure, one which generations of Marylanders can both enjoy and protect. I look forward to working with Secretary Franks, Acting Secretary Philbrick, legislators and conservationists in the coming months to meet this important goal.” The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund: Governor Ehrlich will introduce legislation creating a dedicated fund to upgrade the 66 largest sewage treatment plants in the State to dramatically reduce harmful nitrogen pollution entering the Bay. Sewage treatment plants release 16.3 million pounds of nitrogen pollution into the Bay each year, causing dangerous growths of algae that rob the Bay of oxygen, dirty the water, and prevent sunlight from reaching underwater grasses that create habitat for aquatic life. When fully www.maryland.gov