Bipartisan Members Of Maryland Congressional Delegation Meet With Army Corps Of Engineers For Annual Update

WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan Members of Maryland’s House Delegation met today with Army Corps of Engineers Colonel J. Richard Jordan, III, Commander of the Baltimore District, for an update on the Corps’ projects in Maryland, including Baltimore Harbor and Channel dredging; restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, the Anacostia Watershed, and Poplar Island; and Chesapeake Bay oyster recovery efforts.

Participating in today’s meeting were Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Andy Harris, and John Delaney.

“From dredging the Port of Baltimore so that we can ensure its continued viability to restoring the Chesapeake Bay, local watersheds, and the oyster population, the Army Corps of Engineers plays a significant role in preserving our environment, maintaining our state’s economic competitiveness, and ensuring the livelihood of thousands of Marylanders,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “I thank Colonel Jordan for joining us today to discuss these projects, and I will continue working with the Maryland delegation to secure the needed funding to continue the Corps’ work in the Fifth District and throughout Maryland.”

“Treasures like the Chesapeake Bay and the Baltimore Harbor are not just the pride of Maryland, they are shared by us all,” Congressman Cummings said. “Together we are responsible for protecting them for future generations. I thank the Army Corps of Engineers for all they do to preserve our essential natural resources, and I look forward to working with them as we continue efforts to clean up the Bay and our state’s waterways.”

“It was great to meet today with Colonel Jordan and the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss their plans for the upcoming year and needs for FY14. I look forward to continuing to work with the Corps to restore the Chesapeake Bay and maintain the Port of Baltimore, both of which are vital economic resources in our state,” said Congressman Van Hollen.

“Here in Maryland, the Army Corps of Engineers supports jobs by keeping our harbor clear for ships and our Bay clean for fish,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “The Corps has also built cutting-edge facilities on Maryland bases that will enable our service members to help protect our nation for years to come. Team Maryland remains committed to providing them with the resources they need to continue contributing to the region’s economic stability when we need it most.”

“The Baltimore Army Corps of Engineers is a tremendous asset. From keeping commerce flowing at the Port to restoring sensitive wetland ecosystems, the experts at the Corps have made tremendous contributions to our state,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “We must provide them with the resources they need to perform their work.”

“The Chesapeake Bay represents thousands of jobs for those on the Eastern Shore, so ensuring its vitality is a top concern of mine in Washington,” said Congressman Harris. “I was glad to meet with the Army Corps of Engineers today to be updated on the progress being made to continue ensuring that the Bay will support the livelihoods of so many on the Eastern Shore.”

“I was pleased to meet with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and learn more about the important work they are doing across Maryland,” said Congressman Delaney. “The work done by Corps of Engineers is essential to maintaining our infrastructure and helping our economy grow. I thank Colonel Jordan for meeting with us and will continue to work with my colleagues in the Maryland delegation to support their efforts.”