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Bay programs seek funding clarity as goal dates shift to 2040; Conowingo settlement and whole-watershed strategy questioned
Summary
DLS told the subcommittee Maryland reduced nitrogen loads but will not meet the 2025 load target; the revised Chesapeake Bay watershed agreement extends the target period to 2040. DLS and legislators pressed agencies about the Whole Watershed Act's minimal agricultural project spending in selected watersheds and the Conowingo settlement funding and studies on dredging effectiveness.
DLS presented a non-budgeted Chesapeake Bay overview that combined water-quality progress updates with budget and programmatic concerns, and subcommittee members pushed agency leaders for clarity on how funds will be used going forward.
Legislative analyst Andrew Gray said Maryland achieved a reduction of about 1.9 million pounds of nitrogen between calendar 2023 and 2024 but will not meet the 2025 total maximum daily load (TMDL) target, a shortfall driven in part by out-of-state loads. DLS summarized FY27 budget changes that boost Bay restoration funding by about $113.2 million relative to FY26, including increases in land-preservation funding and additional resources for SHA TMDL…
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