GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF WATER RESOURCES REFORM AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Annapolis, Md. - Governor O’Malley released the following statement in response to the final passage in the U.S. Senate of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which will enable the Port of Baltimore to continue key dredging projects and environmental initiatives:

“I want to congratulate and thank our hard-working Maryland Congressional team for their efforts to pass the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. Thanks to the leadership of Team Maryland, this Act passed the House and Senate and will now be sent to President Obama for his signature. Two projects crucial to the Port of Baltimore and our efforts to protect jobs and the environment will now be able to move forward: the continued development and expansion of Poplar Island as well as future development of Mid-Chesapeake Bay Islands.

“This law is key to keeping the Port’s channels properly and safely dredged, which will allow us to accommodate some of the largest vessels in the world and safeguard good-paying, family-supporting jobs here in Maryland. Along with supporting these jobs, this legislation strengthens Maryland’s ongoing environmental protection efforts by continuing to fund and expand our nationally-recognized program to rebuild long-eroded islands and create wetlands that serve as wildlife sanctuaries. After decades of erosion, Poplar Island has been restored to its original capacity of 1,100 acres using dredged material. Today, many different species of wildlife and waterfowl inhabit Poplar Island.

“Thanks to Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, today’s good news will further strengthen Maryland’s efforts to create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and protect our environment.”

Editor's Note:
Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 14,630 direct jobs, while about 108,000 jobs in Maryland are linked to port activities. The Port is responsible for $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local taxes.