Maryland is gearing up to take on the impacts of climate change.
Climate change, erosion, flooding, and extreme weather pose a threat to Maryland communities, but thanks to The Board of Public Works approving funding for two Resiliency Through Restoration projects and one Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund grant, Maryland will be able to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
“Under the Governor’s leadership, we are able to provide multiple grant programs to enhance our resiliency through green infrastructure and nature-based solutions,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said.
“Coastal storms, erosion, and flooding all affect Maryland, so these projects are extremely important for protecting our communities and our infrastructure.”
The Board approved a $2000,000 Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant to control stormwater from flowing into the Chesapeake Bay and install green infrastructure in the Baltimore City area of Druid Heights. The funds will be used to support Baltimore City’s Green Network so they can remove 14,610 square feet of impervious surface, like black top or matted down grass and dirt, lay 10 inches of topsoil, and plant 62 trees and turf grass.
More green infrastructure will be installed in the Druid Heights neighborhood in Baltimore City. Photo courtesy of Kalani Gordon/Baltimore Sun
DNR will also use grant funds to design living shorelines in Anne Arundel and St. Mary’s counties.
Living shorelines are shorelines made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. These shorelines, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, grow over time, are resilient to storms, and provide wildlife habitat—unlike concrete seawalls or other hard structures.
Graphic courtesy of The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
In Anne Arundel County, Arundel Rivers Federation will design a living shoreline along Honeysuckle Drive while preserving access to Mayo Beach Park, and St. Mary’s County will create a living shoreline at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park.
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park will soon have a living shoreline. Photo courtesy of VisitSt.Mary's.com
Not only will these projects help Maryland become more resilient against climate change, but they will also save people money. According to DNR, taxpayers save an average of $6 for every $1 spent on mitigation practices—that’s $1200,000 in savings for the Druid Heights project alone!
Is your community doing anything to combat climate change and protect the Chesapeake Bay? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
