The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Wednesday issued the following statement from Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for 2015-16.

“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased that Gov. Wolf plans to increase investments in state agencies whose missions are part of the fabric of the CBF’s efforts to improve water quality in Pennsylvania.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Wolf and the departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Agriculture in the coming months. We are anxious to see how these agencies prioritize resources in the proposed budget. Funding is critical for the Commonwealth to accelerate progress towards meeting the 2017 mid-point obligations under the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint.

“Healthy rivers and streams are good for Pennsylvania’s economy. Yet, over 19,000 miles of the rivers and streams that Pennsylvanians rely on for fishing, recreation, farming, and for drinking and household uses are polluted.  CBF’s economic analysis indicates that cleaning up the rivers and streams in the state that flow to the Chesapeake Bay will result in more than $6 billion in additional natural benefits each year to the Commonwealth.

“Pennsylvania must continue to move forward in its commitment to clean water. Reducing pollution and restoring water quality will provide benefits today, and is an important legacy to leave for future generations.”

3/9/2015