Biden-Harris Administration recommends funding of $15.2 million for projects in Maryland to strengthen Climate-Ready Coasts as part of Investing in America agenda

Today, Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $15.2 million for projects across Maryland to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change, as part of the Investing in America agenda. Across Maryland, four projects will create jobs and boost economic and environmental outcomes for coastal communities. The awards are made under the Biden Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts initiative funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with additional funds leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring Climate-Ready Coasts in Maryland and across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, we’re enabling significant projects to remove derelict vessels from Maryland waters, restore marshes, improve river shorelines, promote environmental education, and more.”

Administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Climate-Ready Coasts initiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; build resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restore coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; and provide employment opportunities. 

“Maryland’s projects to restore marshes, bolster river shorelines, and address trash and marine debris in waterways are examples of how to deepen the bonds between people and their environment,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “NOAA is proud to recommend these projects to build the resilience of ecosystems and benefit the communities as well, as we work to build climate-ready coasts.”

“Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and erosion are taking aim at our coastal ecosystems, increasing the need to strengthen the resilience of our natural and social infrastructure ,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “The benefits to Maryland through NOAA’s investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act will improve coastal habitats that protect us from the impacts of climate change and positively contribute hundreds of billions of dollars to our economy. It is particularly important that we invest federal funds in underserved communities, where opportunities to engage in fisheries, recreation, local businesses and jobs are a key part of shoring up our state’s coastal economy and way of life.” Comment end  

“With over 3,000 miles of coastline in our state, Marylanders have directly experienced the impact and costs of climate change. That’s why we fought for historic investments in climate resilience as part of the infrastructure modernization law and Inflation Reduction Act. This funding will strengthen our coastal communities’ natural defenses against climate change to better protect Maryland residents and businesses as well as our fish and wildlife,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"Secretary Raimondo's announcement today recommending $562 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act for projects under NOAA's Climate-Ready Coasts initiative demonstrates how these historic pieces of legislation will continue to have a positive impact on Americans and Marylanders for years to come,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05). “Indeed, I was pleased to see that NOAA recommended millions of dollars for supporting coastal communities and for preserving vital waters throughout Maryland, including the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland's Fifth District. These projects will help our state and our country respond to some of the most pressing effects of the climate crisis – from rising sea levels to more frequent floods to stronger storms. That's why I was proud to bring both the BIL and the IRA to the Floor last Congress, and why as the Chair of the Regional Leadership Council I will continue working with NOAA, the Department of Commerce, and the rest of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure the swift an effective implementation of these transformative laws.”

These projects are part of NOAA’s nearly $6 billion total investment under BIL and IRA. Recommended projects in Maryland include:

• Leveraging Strategic Partnerships for Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal, Disposal, Prevention and Education.
  BoatUS Foundation: $10 million.
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Removal Competition
  Based out of Annapolis, the BoatUS Foundation will administer a national competitive grant program for removal of abandoned and derelict vessels. The grantee will also develop a national database to track abandoned and derelict vessels, while supporting outreach and education on the issue. Projects in all coastal states and territories are potentially eligible for future funding under this grant program.
• MBRI: Patapsco Delta Sustainable Fishery and Ecosystem Resilience Project
  South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District Management: $4 million ($1 million year 1; up to a total of $4 million over three years)
  Funding Source: Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants 
  This project will restore marsh habitat in an urban ecosystem in Baltimore City. It is part of a larger initiative called Reimagine Middle Branch—a community-led initiative to reconnect South Baltimore residents to the nearby river. The nature-based infrastructure is expected to reduce erosion and flooding. The restored marshes will be designed to continuously adapt to rising sea levels. The project will also enhance public access to the river and connect to existing regional trail networks.
• Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Stream and Shoreline Restoration 
  Maryland Department of Natural Resources: $992,000
  Funding Source:  National Estuarine Research Reserve System Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants 
  This project will result in the creation of a freshwater tidal marsh living shoreline and the restoration of three headwater streams, coupled with the installation of stormwater best management practices, in the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary—a component of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The shoreline work will protect the property from erosion and enhance resilience to sea level rise and climate hazards. Project work will also significantly reduce the amount of sediment and nutrient pollution going into Chesapeake Bay.
• Raising Awareness of Marine Pollution in Underserved Populations (RAMP-UP)
  Maryland Sea Grant: $254,000 
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions 
  This project will use the topic of marine debris to increase awareness among minority youth in Maryland about environmental degradation in their community and its connections to environmental justice. The coalition will enhance community literacy about marine debris through formal education and training at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities and informal education in conjunction with summer youth programs.