By Collin Bomysoad

There is hope for the Chesapeake Bay after all. Taking a look at recent news, James island located in the Chesapeake Bay, is being restored with a $53.8 million contract to C&C from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joint ventures to help the mid Chesapeake Bay with restoration endeavors. 

This is only the first phase of restoration with a focus on repairing the island by use of construction. For example, the funds allocated are going to be used for crews, hydrographic surveys, construction of a perimeter dike, dredging operations, and sand storage for future construction projects for the island. 

Frank Pera, the Baltimore District Commander Col described this as a “win-win” situation for both commerce and the restoration endeavor itself. This is a great step forward not only for the bay’s health, as it’s an active goal set and moving towards, but it’s also creating jobs and will better help support the economy of the Bay Area. 

More steps towards restoration through improved agricultural management have emerged in talks with Pennsylvania. The shift is towards regenerative agricultural practices, including converting row crops to pasture, improving livestock grazing, and planting riverbank-safe trees. This is all coming from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant. 

Restoration and better management practices will help keep the bay moving toward a healthier future.

Sources:Pennsylvania Farmers Will Connect for Healthier Local Waters Under a New Grant • Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$53 million awarded to Mid-Chesapeake Bay island restoration efforts | Latest News | wboc.com