This action awards federal funds of $3,600,104 to assist maryland department of natural resources (mdnr) in implementing the management mechanisms established under the chesapeake BAY watershed…

This action awards federal funds of $3,600,104 to assist maryland department of natural resources (mdnr) in implementing the management mechanisms established under the chesapeake BAY watershed agreement, particularly programs for control and abatement of nonpoint source nutrient and sediment pollution. Federal funds in the amount of $6,967,900 are contingent upon availability. Activities:the activities that will be performed under this award support the development and implementation of maryland's watershed implementation plan (WIP) and milestone commitments. Specific activities will include development of new local partnerships to accelerate restoration progress; implementation of best management practices designed to improve water quality and climate resiliency; coordination of policy issues and promotion of chesapeake BAY restoration efforts; environmental education and outreach to the agricultural sector, students, teachers, and maryland residents; technical assistance and project design support for local governments and nonprofits; and compilation of data and evaluation of progress toward meeting water quality and living resource goals. Subrecipient:funding will be subawarded to local partners to support the development of community resilience plans to address vulnerabilities associated with climate change, increase environmental literacy throughout maryland, address research and policy needs related to emerging environmental issues, and support planning and implementation of watershed restoration projects. Outcomes:this project supports achievement of the goals and outcomes of the chesapeake BAY watershed agreement. The expected outcome of this award is direct reduction of nutrient and sediment loads into the chesapeake BAY watershed, with emphasis on maintaining the water quality necessary to improve the aquatic living resources of the chesapeake BAY and its tributaries. Beneficiaries include the chesapeake BAY program partnership, residents of the chesapeake BAY watershed, human health, and the environment.