E.P.A. Awards $2.6 million to Protect Mid-Atlantic Region Wetlands. Virginia is Among 6 Plans to be Funded

DOVER (October 2, 2014) - E.P.A. Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin announced today at an event in Dover, Delaware, that EPA's Mid Atlantic Region has awarded a total of $2,642,270 in Wetland Plan Development Grants to 6 recipients.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences was one of the recipients and will gain $392,773 enhance understanding and protection of Virginia's headwater resources susceptible to climate change. In addition to assessment protocols to more fully record anticipated climate induced wetland changes, the suggested work will develop new management models to enhance environmental outcomes and promote coordination among all partners.

"Wetlands are one of our nation's most unique ecosystems and they play a significant role in protecting our nation's water supply," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "By committing to protect and restore these valuable resources, the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences is in the forefront of keeping our lakes, rivers and streams clean."

The Clean Water Act acknowledges the dangers of having pollution upstream. As water flows downstream, it carries pollutants with it. And because wetlands are instrumental in eliminating pollution, they have a huge impact on water downstream.

Grant recipients also included the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control ($443,233), Penn State University ($668,764), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ($400,000), the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources ($700,000) and the Maryland Department of Environment ($37,500).

Wetland Plan Development Grants are used to build and refine comprehensive wetland programs, with priority given to backing plans that address the 3 priority areas identified by the EPA: developing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program; improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation; and refining the protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources.

For more information about the wetlands grant program, go to: http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/wetlands/grantguidelines/index.cfm

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