[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 
                                  2019

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2020

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2427, the 
Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act.
  This bipartisan bill will provide robust, long-term federal support 
for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program, which helps increase public 
access to the Bay.
  As the largest estuary in the nation, the Chesapeake Bay extends 
through six states and the District of Columbia. It's home to more than 
18 million Americans and thousands of species of plants and animals.
  However, roughly 98 percent of the Chesapeake Bay's 11,684 miles of 
shoreline is privately owned, leaving only a small fraction of 
shoreline available for public use.
  The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program helps maximize this tiny fraction 
of public shoreline by improving infrastructure, signage and exhibits 
at key public access points throughout the Bay Watershed. The program 
also supports education initiatives that connect young Americans with 
the Bay Watershed and help instill a passion for environmental 
stewardship.
  To date, the Gateways Program has invested more than $20 million in 
300 projects across the Bay Watershed, helping boost our region's 
outdoor recreation economy.
  This small investment over the last few decades has not only 
succeeded in promoting meaningful educational and recreational 
experiences for Marylanders and residents across the region but has 
also helped the National Park Service fulfill its responsibilities 
under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
  As a key ally in the effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the 
National Park Service works to increase land conservation, public 
access to the Bay, environmental stewardship, diversity and 
environmental education--all of which is supported by the Gateways 
Program.
  By connecting more Americans with the Bay, we can deepen ties to one 
of our country's most important environmental treasures, inspire future 
generations of environmental stewards and give a tremendous boost to 
our region's economy.
  I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for 
supporting this small, but mighty program.
  I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this bill.

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