[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2097-S2101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SARBANES (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Warner, Mr. Robb, 
        and Mr. Santorum):
  S. 492. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Act to assist in 
the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Environment and Public Works.


               the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1999

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today, I am introducing along with a 
number of my colleagues, a bill to continue and enhance the efforts to 
clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Joining me in sponsoring this bill are my 
colleagues from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Senators 
Mikulski, Warner, Robb, and Santorum.
  Mr. President, the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the 
United States and the key to the ecological and economic health of the 
mid-Atlantic region. The Bay, in fact, is one of the world's great 
natural resources. We tend to take it for granted because it is right 
here at hand, so to speak, and I know many Members of this body have 
enjoyed the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay provides thousands of jobs for the 
people in this region and is an important component in the national 
economy. The Bay is a major commercial waterway and shipping center for 
the region and for much of the eastern United States. It supports a 
world-class fishery that produces a significant portion of the 
country's fin fish and shellfish catch. The Bay and its waters also 
maintain an enormous tourism and recreation industry.
  The Chesapeake Bay is a complex system. It draws its life-sustaining 
waters from a watershed that covers more than 64,000 square miles and 
parts of six states. The Bay's relationship to the people, industries, 
and communities in those six states and beyond is also complex and 
multifaceted.
  I could continue talking about these aspects of the Bay, but my 
fellow Senators are aware of the Bay's importance and have consistently 
regarded the protection and enhancement of the quality of the 
Chesapeake Bay as an important national objective.
  Through the concerted efforts of public and private organizations, we 
have learned to understand the complexities of the Bay and we have 
learned what it takes to maintain the system that sustains us. The 
Chesapeake Bay Program is an extraordinary example of how local, State, 
regional, and Federal agencies can work with citizens and private 
organizations to manage complicated, vital, natural resources. Indeed, 
the Chesapeake Bay Program serves as a model across the country and 
around the world.
  When the Bay began to experience serious unprecedented declines in 
water quality and living resources in the 1970s, the people in my state 
suffered. We lost thousands of jobs in the fishing industry. We lost 
much of the wilderness that defined the watershed. We began to 
appreciate for the first time the profound impact that human activity 
could have on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. We began to recognize that 
untreated sewage, deforestation, toxic chemicals, agricultural runoff, 
and increased development were causing a degradation of water quality, 
the loss of wildlife, and elimination of vital habitat. We also began 
to recognize that these negative impacts were only part of a cycle that 
could eventually impact other economic and human health interests.

  Fortunately, over the last two decades we have come to understand 
that humans can also have a positive effect on the environment. We have 
learned that we can, if we are committed, help repair natural systems 
so that they continue to provide economic opportunities and enhance the 
quality of life for future generations.
  We now treat sewage before it enters our waters. We banned toxic 
chemicals that were killing wildlife. We have initiated programs to 
reduce nonpoint source pollution, and we have taken aggressive steps to 
restore depleted fisheries.
  The States of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania deserve much of 
the credit for undertaking many of the actions that have put the Bay 
and its watershed on the road to recovery. All three States have had 
major cleanup programs. They have made significant commitments in terms 
of resources. It is an important priority item on the agendas of the 
Bay States. Governors have been strongly committed, as have State 
legislatures and the public. There are a number of private 
organizations--the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, for example--which do 
extraordinary good work in this area.
  But there has been invaluable involvement by the Federal Government 
as well. The cooperation and attention of Federal agencies has been 
essential. Without the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal ban on DDT, 
and EPA's watershed-wide coordination of Chesapeake Bay restoration and 
cleanup activities, we would not have been able to bring about the 
concerted effort, the real partnership, that is succeeding improving 
the water quality of the Bay and is succeeding in bringing back many of 
the fish and wildlife species.
  The Chesapeake Bay is getting cleaner, but we cannot afford to be 
complacent. There are still tremendous stresses on the Bay. This is a 
fast-growing area of the country, with an ever increasing population, 
development, and continuous changes in land use.
  We need to remain vigilant in continuing to address the needs of the 
Bay restoration effort. The hard work, investment, and commitment, at 
all levels, which has brought gains over the last three decades, must 
not be allowed to lapse or falter.
  The measure I am introducing today reauthorizes the Bay program and 
builds upon the Federal Government's past role in the Chesapeake Bay 
Program and the highly successful Federal-State-local partnership to 
which I made reference. The bill also establishes simple agency 
disclosure and budget coordination mechanisms to help ensure that 
information about Federal Bay-related grants and projects are readily 
available to the scientific community and the public.
  As I mentioned before, the Chesapeake Bay Program is a model of 
efficient and effective coordination. Still, there is always room for 
improvement as experience informs and enlightens our judgments. While 
coordination between the various levels of government has been 
exemplary, coordination among Federal agencies can be strengthened. 
This legislation begins to develop a better coordination mechanism to 
help ensure that all Federal agency programs are accounted for.
  In addition, this bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency 
to establish a ``Small Watershed Grants Program'' for the Chesapeake 
Bay region. These grants will help organizations and local governments 
launch a variety of locally-designed and locally-implemented projects 
to restore relatively small pieces of the larger Chesapeake Bay 
watershed. By empowering local agencies and community groups to 
identify and solve local problems, this grant program will promote 
stewardship across the region and improve the whole by strengthening 
the parts.
  This bill was carefully crafted with the advise, counsel, and 
assistance of many hard working organizations in the Chesapeake Bay 
region, including the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay 
Foundation, The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and various offices 
within the state governments of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

[[Page S2098]]

  Mr. President, it is the hope of the cosponsors that this bill will 
ultimately be incorporated into a larger piece of legislation that is 
due to be reauthorized or considered this year. However, if such 
legislation is not considered or should become stalled in the 
legislative process--the larger legislation covers a wide range of 
issues--it is our intention to try to move forward with this 
legislation separately.
  The Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort has been a major bipartisan 
undertaking in this body. It has consistently, over the years, been 
strongly supported by virtually all members of the Senate. I strongly 
urge my colleagues to join with us in supporting this legislation and 
contributing to the improvement and the enhancement of one of our 
Nation's most valuable and treasued natural resources.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the full text of the 
bill, a section-by-section analysis, and letters of support of the bill 
be inserted in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 492

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration 
     Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a 
     resource of worldwide significance;
       (2) over many years, the productivity and water quality of 
     the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed were diminished by 
     pollution, excessive sedimentation, shoreline erosion, the 
     impacts of population growth and development in the 
     Chesapeake Bay watershed, and other factors;
       (3) the Federal Government (acting through the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency), the 
     Governor of the State of Maryland, the Governor of the 
     Commonwealth of Virginia, the Governor of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania, the Chairperson of the Chesapeake Bay 
     Commission, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories, have committed to a 
     comprehensive cooperative program to achieve improved water 
     quality and improvements in the productivity of living 
     resources of the Bay;
       (4) the cooperative program described in paragraph (3) 
     serves as a national and international model for the 
     management of estuaries; and
       (5) there is a need to expand Federal support for 
     monitoring, management, and restoration activities in the 
     Chesapeake Bay and the tributaries of the Bay in order to 
     meet and further the original and subsequent goals and 
     commitments of the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to expand and strengthen cooperative efforts to restore 
     and protect the Chesapeake Bay; and
       (2) to achieve the goals established in the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement.

     SEC. 3. CHESAPEAKE BAY.

       The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended by 
     striking section 117 (33 U.S.C. 1267) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 117. CHESAPEAKE BAY.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Administrative cost.--The term `administrative cost' 
     means the cost of salaries and fringe benefits incurred in 
     administering a grant under this section.
       ``(2) Chesapeake bay agreement.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement' means the formal, voluntary agreements executed to 
     achieve the goal of restoring and protecting the Chesapeake 
     Bay ecosystem and the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem and signed by the Chesapeake Executive Council.
       ``(3) Chesapeake bay ecosystem.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem' means the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and its 
     watershed.
       ``(4) Chesapeake bay program.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     Program' means the program directed by the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement.
       ``(5) Chesapeake executive council.--The term `Chesapeake 
     Executive Council' means the signatories to the Chesapeake 
     Bay Agreement.
       ``(6) Signatory jurisdiction.--The term `signatory 
     jurisdiction' means a jurisdiction of a signatory to the 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
       ``(b) Continuation of Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--In cooperation with the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council (and as a member of the Council), the 
     Administrator shall continue the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       ``(2) Program office.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall maintain in the 
     Environmental Protection Agency a Chesapeake Bay Program 
     Office.
       ``(B) Function.--The Chesapeake Bay Program Office shall 
     provide support to the Chesapeake Executive Council by--
       ``(i) implementing and coordinating science, research, 
     modeling, support services, monitoring, data collection, and 
     other activities that support the Chesapeake Bay Program;
       ``(ii) developing and making available, through 
     publications, technical assistance, and other appropriate 
     means, information pertaining to the environmental quality 
     and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(iii) in cooperation with appropriate Federal, State, and 
     local authorities, assisting the signatories to the 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement in developing and implementing 
     specific action plans to carry out the responsibilities of 
     the signatories to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement;
       ``(iv) coordinating the actions of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency with the actions of the appropriate 
     officials of other Federal agencies and State and local 
     authorities in developing strategies to--

       ``(I) improve the water quality and living resources in the 
     Chesapeake Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(II) obtain the support of the appropriate officials of 
     the agencies and authorities in achieving the objectives of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; and

       ``(v) implementing outreach programs for public 
     information, education, and participation to foster 
     stewardship of the resources of the Chesapeake Bay.
       ``(c) Interagency Agreements.--The Administrator may enter 
     into an interagency agreement with a Federal agency to carry 
     out this section.
       ``(d) Technical Assistance and Assistance Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--In cooperation with the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council, the Administrator may provide technical 
     assistance, and assistance grants, to nonprofit 
     organizations, State and local governments, colleges, 
     universities, and interstate agencies to carry out this 
     section, subject to such terms and conditions as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate.
       ``(2) Federal share.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Federal share of an assistance grant provided under 
     paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Administrator in 
     accordance with guidance issued by the Administrator.
       ``(B) Small watershed grants program.--The Federal share of 
     an assistance grant provided under paragraph (1) to carry out 
     an implementing activity under subsection (g)(2) shall not 
     exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs, as determined by 
     the Administrator.
       ``(3) Non-federal share.--An assistance grant under 
     paragraph (1) shall be provided on the condition that non-
     Federal sources provide the remainder of eligible project 
     costs, as determined by the Administrator.
       ``(4) Administrative costs.--Administrative costs shall not 
     exceed 10 percent of the annual grant award.
       ``(e) Implementation and Monitoring Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--If a signatory jurisdiction has approved 
     and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects 
     of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, on the request of the chief 
     executive of the jurisdiction, the Administrator--
       ``(A) shall make a grant to the jurisdiction for the 
     purpose of implementing the management mechanisms established 
     under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, subject to such terms and 
     conditions as the Administrator considers appropriate;
       ``(B) may make a grant to a signatory jurisdiction for the 
     purpose of monitoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
       ``(2) Proposals.--
       ``(A) In general.--A signatory jurisdiction described in 
     paragraph (1) may apply for a grant under this subsection for 
     a fiscal year by submitting to the Administrator a 
     comprehensive proposal to implement management mechanisms 
     established under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
       ``(B) Contents.--A proposal under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include--
       ``(i) a description of proposed management mechanisms that 
     the jurisdiction commits to take within a specified time 
     period, such as reducing or preventing pollution in the 
     Chesapeake Bay and its watershed or meeting applicable water 
     quality standards or established goals and objectives under 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; and
       ``(ii) the estimated cost of the actions proposed to be 
     taken during the fiscal year.
       ``(3) Approval.--If the Administrator finds that the 
     proposal is consistent with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and 
     the national goals established under section 101(a), the 
     Administrator may approve the proposal for an award.
       ``(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of an 
     implementation grant under this subsection shall not exceed 
     50 percent of the cost of implementing the management 
     mechanisms during the fiscal year.
       ``(5) Non-federal share.--An implementation grant under 
     this subsection shall be made on the condition that non-
     Federal sources provide the remainder of the costs of 
     implementing the management mechanisms during the fiscal 
     year.
       ``(6) Administrative costs.--Administrative costs shall not 
     exceed 10 percent of the annual grant award.
       ``(7) Reporting.--On or before October 1 of each fiscal 
     year, the Administrator shall make available to the public a 
     document that lists and describes, in the greatest 
     practicable degree of detail--

[[Page S2099]]

       ``(A) all projects and activities funded for the fiscal 
     year;
       ``(B) the goals and objectives of projects funded for the 
     previous fiscal year; and
       ``(C) the net benefits of projects funded for previous 
     fiscal years.
       ``(f) Federal Facilities and Budget Coordination.--
       ``(1) Subwatershed planning and restoration.--A Federal 
     agency that owns or operates a facility (as defined by the 
     Administrator) within the Chesapeake Bay watershed shall 
     participate in regional and subwatershed planning and 
     restoration programs.
       ``(2) Compliance with agreement.--The head of each Federal 
     agency that owns or occupies real property in the Chesapeake 
     Bay watershed shall ensure that the property, and actions 
     taken by the agency with respect to the property, comply with 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, the Federal Agencies Chesapeake 
     Ecosystem Unified Plan, and any subsequent agreements and 
     plans.
       ``(3) Budget coordination.--
       ``(A) In general.--As part of the annual budget submission 
     of each Federal agency with projects or grants related to 
     restoration, planning, monitoring, or scientific 
     investigation of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, the head of 
     the agency shall submit to the President a report that 
     describes plans for the expenditure of the funds under this 
     section.
       ``(B) Disclosure to the council.--The head of each agency 
     referred to in subparagraph (A) shall disclose the report 
     under that subparagraph with the Chesapeake Executive Council 
     as appropriate.
       ``(g) Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) Management strategies.--The Administrator, in 
     coordination with other members of the Chesapeake Executive 
     Council, shall ensure that management plans are developed and 
     implementation is begun by signatories to the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement to achieve and maintain--
       ``(A) the nutrient goals of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement 
     for the quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the 
     Chesapeake Bay and its watershed;
       ``(B) the water quality requirements necessary to restore 
     living resources in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(C) the Chesapeake Bay Basinwide Toxins Reduction and 
     Prevention Strategy goal of reducing or eliminating the input 
     of chemical contaminants from all controllable sources to 
     levels that result in no toxic or bioaccumulative impact on 
     the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem or on 
     human health;
       ``(D) habitat restoration, protection, and enhancement 
     goals established by Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories for 
     wetlands, riparian forests, and other types of habitat 
     associated with the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(E) the restoration, protection, and enhancement goals 
     established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories for 
     living resources associated with the Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem.
       ``(2) Small watershed grants program.--The Administrator, 
     in cooperation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, shall--
       ``(A) establish a small watershed grants program as part of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Program; and
       ``(B) offer technical assistance and assistance grants 
     under subsection (d) to local governments and nonprofit 
     organizations and individuals in the Chesapeake Bay region to 
     implement--
       ``(i) cooperative tributary basin strategies that address 
     the water quality and living resource needs in the Chesapeake 
     Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(ii) locally based protection and restoration programs or 
     projects within a watershed that complement the tributary 
     basin strategies.
       ``(h) Study of Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than April 22, 2000, and every 
     5 years thereafter, the Administrator, in coordination with 
     the Chesapeake Executive Council, shall complete a study and 
     submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the results of 
     the study.
       ``(2) Requirements.--The study and report shall--
       ``(A) assess the state of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(B) assess the appropriateness of commitments and goals 
     of the Chesapeake Bay Program and the management strategies 
     established under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement for improving 
     the state of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(C) assess the effectiveness of management strategies 
     being implemented on the date of enactment of this section 
     and the extent to which the priority needs are being met;
       ``(D) make recommendations for the improved management of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Program either by strengthening strategies 
     being implemented on the date of enactment of this section or 
     by adopting new strategies; and
       ``(E) be presented in such a format as to be readily 
     transferable to and usable by other watershed restoration 
     programs.
       ``(i) Special Study of Living Resource Response.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 
     commence a 5-year special study with full participation of 
     the scientific community of the Chesapeake Bay to establish 
     and expand understanding of the response of the living 
     resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem to improvements in 
     water quality that have resulted from investments made 
     through the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       ``(2) Requirements.--The study shall--
       ``(A) determine the current status and trends of living 
     resources, including grasses, benthos, phytoplankton, 
     zooplankton, fish, and shellfish;
       ``(B) establish to the extent practicable the rates of 
     recovery of the living resources in response to improved 
     water quality condition;
       ``(C) evaluate and assess interactions of species, with 
     particular attention to the impact of changes within and 
     among trophic levels; and
       ``(D) recommend management actions to optimize the return 
     of a healthy and balanced ecosystem in response to 
     improvements in the quality and character of the waters of 
     the Chesapeake Bay.
       ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2000 through 2005.''.
                                  ____


       Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1999--Sectional Summary

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

       This section establishes the title of the bill as the 
     ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1999.''

     SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

       This section states that the purpose of the Act is to 
     expand and strengthen the cooperative efforts to restore and 
     protect the Chesapeake Bay and to achieve the goals embodied 
     in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.

     SECTION 3. CHESAPEAKE BAY

       (a) Definitions
       This section defines the terms ``Administrative Cost,'' 
     ``Chesapeake Bay Agreement,'' ``Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem,'' 
     ``Chesapeake Bay Program,'' ``Chesapeake Executive Council,'' 
     and ``Signatory Jurisdiction.''
       (b) Continuation of Chesapeake Bay Program
       This section provides authority for EPA to continue to lead 
     and coordinate the Chesapeake Bay Program, in coordination 
     with other members of the Chesapeake Executive Council, and 
     to maintain a Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office.
       The Chesapeake Bay Program Office is required to provide 
     support to the Chesapeake Executive Council for implementing 
     and coordinating science, research, modeling, monitoring and 
     other efforts that support the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       The section requires the Chesapeake Bay Program Office, in 
     cooperation with Federal, State and local authorities, to 
     assist Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories in developing 
     specific action plans, outreach efforts and system-wide 
     monitoring, assessment and public participation to improve 
     the water quality and living resources of the Bay.
       (c) Interagency Agreements
       This section authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to 
     enter into interagency agreements with other Federal agencies 
     to carry out the purposes and activities of the Chesapeake 
     Bay Program Office.
       (d) Technical Assistance And Assistance Grants
       This section authorizes the EPA Administrator to provide 
     technical assistance and assistance grants to nonprofit 
     private organizations, State and local governments, colleges, 
     universities, and interstate agencies.
       (e) Implementation And Monitoring Grants
       The section authorizes the EPA to issue grants to signatory 
     jurisdictions for the purpose of monitoring the Chesapeake 
     Bay ecosystem.
       The section establishes criteria for proposals and 
     establishes limits on administrative costs (no more than 10% 
     of grant amount) and the allowable ``Federal Share'' (no more 
     than 50% of total project cost).
       The EPA Administrator is required to produce a public 
     document each year that describes all projects funded under 
     this section.
       (f) Federal Facilities And Budget Coordination
       The Section requires Federal agencies that own or operate a 
     facility within the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate 
     in regional and subwatershed planning and restoration 
     programs, and to ensure that federally owned facilities are 
     in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
       The section establishes a mechanism for budget coordination 
     to ensure efficiency across government programs.
       (f) Chesapeake Bay Program
       This section directs the Administrator, in consultation 
     with other members of the Executive Council, to ensure that 
     management plans are developed and implementation is begun by 
     signatory jurisdictions to achieve and maintain: the 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals for reducing and capping 
     nitrogen and phosphorus entering the mainstem Bay; water 
     quality requirements needed to restore living resources in 
     the bay mainstem and tributaries; the Chesapeake Bay 
     Basinwide Toxins Reduction and Prevention Strategy goals; and 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement habitat restoration, protection, 
     and enhancement goals are achieved.
       This section also authorizes the EPA Administrator, in 
     consultation with other members of the Executive Council, to 
     offer the technical assistance and financial grants

[[Page S2100]]

     assistance grants to local governments, nonprofit 
     organizations, colleges, and universities to implement 
     locally-based watershed protection and restoration programs 
     or projects that complement the Chesapeake Bay tributary 
     basin strategy.
       (h) Study Of The Chesapeake Bay Program
       This section requires the Administrator and other members 
     of the executive Council to study and evaluate the 
     effectiveness the Chesapeake Bay program management 
     strategies and to periodically (every 5 years) submit a 
     comprehensive report to Congress.
       (i) Special Study Of Living Resources Response
       The section requires the EPA Administrator to conduct a 
     five-year study of the Chesapeake Bay and report to Congress 
     on the status of its living resources and to make 
     recommendations on management actions that may be necessary 
     to ensure the continued recovery of the Chesapeake Bay and 
     its ecosystem.
       (j) Authorization Of Appropriations
       The section authorizes appropriations to the Environmental 
     Protection Agency of $30,000,000 for each fiscal year from 
     2000 through and including 2005.
                                  ____

                                                State of Maryland,


                                       Office of the Governor,

                                                February 23, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Paul: Thank you for your continuing to support 
     environmental initiatives that benefit Maryland citizens. You 
     have long been a champion of our great Chesapeake Bay, and an 
     outstanding advocate for the protection and restoration of 
     all our State's natural treasures. Your current proposed 
     legislation to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
     to assist in restoration of the Chesapeake Bay is just 
     another example of how you have been able to translate your 
     concern into action. The work you have facilitated through 
     the Chesapeake Bay Program has been an outstanding example of 
     interstate cooperation and progressive environmental programs 
     that have been invaluable to Maryland and Bay restoration.
       If we are to be successful in the next century, we must 
     look ahead and be ready to face new challenges as well as 
     continue to meet the old ones. Your proposed legislation 
     embodies that vision and therefore has my full support. Its 
     content demonstrates your understanding of the needs of 
     Maryland and the other states in the watershed. It also 
     recognizes the critical role played by local governments and 
     citizen groups. The legislation clearly moves the Bay cleanup 
     in the direction needed. In addition to my personal support, 
     the bill has been reviewed by the Maryland Bay Cabinet and 
     received its endorsement as well. We are all eager to see the 
     legislation move forward and would be happy to assist you.
       Thank you again for taking this initiative. Should you 
     require our assistance, you may contact John Griffin, 
     Secretary, Department of Natural Resources at (410) 260-8101.
           Sincerely,
                                             Parris N. Glendening,
     Governor.
                                  ____

                                          Commonwealth of Virginia


                                       Office of the Governor,

                                                February 23, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: The Commonwealth of Virginia 
     supports the language of the proposed Chesapeake Bay 
     Restoration Act, as shown in the attached copy dated February 
     8, 1999.
       The cooperative Chesapeake Bay Program has been and will 
     continue to be essential to the restoration of the Chesapeake 
     Bay system. Reauthorization will strengthen an already 
     successful Program and help support an increased level of 
     effort.
       The proposed increase in Federal support is already more 
     than matched by state monies put into the recently created 
     Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund. Since its creation 
     in 1997 the Virginia General Assembly approves Governor 
     Gilmore's current legislative initiative, it will appropriate 
     an additional $45.15 million for 1999.
       We thank you for being the sponsor of this bill, and we 
     will assist in whatever way is appropriate to help ensure its 
     passage by Congress.
           Very truly yours,
     John Paul Woodley, Jr.
                                  ____

                                    Citizens Advisory Committee to


                             the Chesapeake Executive Council,

                                                February 22, 1999.
     Senator Paul Sarbanes,
     Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: On behalf of the Citizens Advisory 
     Committee to the Chesapeake Executive Council (CAC), I would 
     like to express our appreciation for your leadership in 
     developing the draft Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act. 
     Provisions such as those embodied in this proposed 
     legislation are vital to building upon one of the most 
     successful partnerships ever assembled, involving every level 
     of government and the private sector, to restore the health 
     of an entire ecosystem.
       The Citizens Advisory Committee was created by the 
     Chesapeake Executive Council to represent residents and 
     stakeholders of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the Bay 
     restoration efforts. By serving as a link with stakeholder 
     communities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the 
     District of Columbia, CAC provides a non-governmental 
     perspective on the Bay cleanup effort and on how Bay Program 
     policies affect citizens who live and work in the Chesapeake 
     Bay watershed.
       The successes of the past twelve years in restoring the 
     health of the Bay are a direct result of hard work, funding, 
     and the dedicated commitment of the partners. Each and every 
     one of these factors is essential to continue fulfilling the 
     long-term restoration goals, particularly as the Bay Program 
     partners embrace a renewed Bay agreement in the next year. 
     Reauthorization and enhancement of Bay Program legislation 
     will signal to the states, local governments and citizens 
     that the Congress and the federal government will continue to 
     be a strong partner with them as they renew their commitment 
     to these goals and to a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay. I 
     am particularly encouraged by the provisions to continue the 
     Small Watershed Grant program which provides a mechanism for 
     local groups and governments to take an active, hands-on role 
     in the Bay restoration activities.
       The members of CAC look forward to working with you and the 
     other members of Congressional delegations from the Bay 
     Program jurisdictions toward successful passage of this 
     legislation. Again, thank you for your leadership. Please 
     feel free to call upon CAC if there is any assistance that we 
     can provide.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Andrew J. Loftus,
     Chair.
                                  ____



                                    Chesapeake Bay Commission,

                                 Annapolis, MD, February 19, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: I am writing, in my new capacity as 
     Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, to commend you for 
     your endeavors to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Program 
     through the introduction of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration 
     Act of 1999. The Commission strongly supports this 
     legislation. We commit to you our resources and expertise in 
     working to secure its passage.
       We believe that the cooperation of government at the 
     federal, state and local level is, and will continue to be, 
     essential to protecting and restoring the Bay. Your bill 
     helps to establish the blueprint and financial support for 
     that collaboration.
       We strongly support the small watershed provisions of the 
     bill. The health of the Bay depends on the cumulative effect 
     of thousands of daily decisions that either compromise or 
     improve water quality in our subwatersheds. Offering 
     community groups financial support and direct access to the 
     tremendous informational resources of the Chesapeake Bay 
     Program can only help them to make environmentally-sound 
     decisions.
       We would also like to commend you for pursuing improved 
     coordination of federal agency budgets. One of the great 
     hallmarks of the Program is EPA's close coordination with the 
     states in its expenditure of Bay Program monies. The Act 
     calls for each federal agency with projects related to the 
     Chesapeake Bay ecosystem to submit a plan detailing how the 
     expenditure of these funds will proceed. This enhanced 
     communication can only help to avoid unnecessary duplication 
     and cultivate cooperation among our federal partners.
       Finally, we are encouraged by your inclusion of a special 
     study to better relate the health of our living resources to 
     water quality improvements. Establishing better linkages will 
     improve the public's support of restoration efforts.
       Again and again you have proven yourself to be a tremendous 
     leader for the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. We hope 
     that this legislation, with your support, will be enacted by 
     the 106th Congress.
       With gratitude, I remain
           Sincerely yours,
                                                Arthur D. Hershey,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                              Chesapeake Bay Local


                                Government Advisory Committee,

                                    Easton, MD, February 17, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: The Chesapeake Bay Local Government 
     Advisory Committee supports all efforts to sustain and 
     enhance Chesapeake Bay Program activities through renewal of 
     Federal legislation in the ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act 
     of 1999.''
       To date, the Chesapeake Bay Program has made great strides 
     in solidifying multijurisdictional efforts to improve the 
     condition of watershed resources in and around the Bay. It 
     has magnified the importance of continued efforts to enhance 
     water quality and to restore the living resources native to 
     the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Program has elevated the role and 
     importance of local governments participating not only in the 
     Bay Program, but in completing watershed restoration projects 
     in their own jurisdiction.
       On behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory 
     Committee, I thank you for your continuing leadership and 
     commitment to the Bay Restoration effort. If there is any way 
     that the Committee or its staff can assist you, please don't 
     hesitate to call.
       Sincerely,
     Russ Pettyjohn,
       Chairman, Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory 
     Committee.

[[Page S2101]]

     Lititz Borough,
       Mayor, Pennsylvania.
                                  ____



                              Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay,

                                                February 25, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: On behalf of the board of directors 
     of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, I am writing to you 
     to express our support for your efforts to draft new 
     legislation to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       Your leadership has been vital over the years in keeping 
     congressional attention focused on the work being conducted 
     in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania to restore the Bay. 
     There is ample evidence that the unique collaborative effort 
     which was formalized in the 1987 amendment to the Clean Water 
     Act is producing positive results for the Bay. It is also 
     apparent that there is much left to do. The bill you have 
     drafted adds some significant features to the Bay Program; 
     the increase in the authorization level to $30 million will 
     substantially enhance the ability of the Bay partners to meet 
     the needs of the Bay in the next decade.
       We are conveying our support for the reauthorization of the 
     Bay Program to other members of Congress from the Bay states 
     in the hope that all will join as co-sponsors.
       Again, thank you for your vigilance and your vision with 
     regard to the Bay.
       Sincerely,
                                                 John T. Kauffman,
     President.
                                  ____



                                    Chesapeake Bay Foundation,

                                                    March 3, 1999.
     Hon. Paul S. Sarbanes,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Sarbanes: I am writing to express the 
     Chesapeake Bay Foundation's support for the Chesapeake Bay 
     Restoration Act of 1999. Although I realize that no single 
     piece of legislation can save the Chesapeake Bay, I believe 
     this bill will help push the Bay Program towards an increased 
     effort to carrying out the commitments made by the 
     signatories.
       I am particularly glad to see the section enhancing the 
     oversight and reporting responsibilities of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency. CBF has long felt that it is important for 
     the Environmental Protection Agency to take a stronger 
     leadership role in assuring that the participants are held 
     accountable for their commitments.
       I am also enthusiastic about the provisions providing for a 
     small watershed grant program. Restoration of the Bay's 
     essential habitat--its forests, wetlands, oysters, and 
     underwater grass beds--is a critical component of the effort 
     to save the Bay, and this legislation should help move that 
     effort forward.
       In summary, this legislation provides a step forward for 
     the Bay Program, and will help steer it in the right 
     direction. I would like to thank you and your cosponsors for 
     your efforts on behalf of this legislation and on behalf of 
     the Chesapeake Bay.
           Very truly yours,
                                                 William C. Baker,
                                                        President.
                                 ______