$50 Million Grant Program for Potomac Preservation Introduced

Alexandria, VA, June 19th – At a press conference this morning in Founders Park along the Alexandria waterfront, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), along with leaders from key conservation organizations, announced introduction of the “National Capital Region Land Conservation Act” which will create a new $50 million grant program that will fund land preservation efforts along the Potomac River in the Washington Metropolitan area.  The bill has received support from over 22 national, state, and local conservation and government organizations, as well as the entire regional congressional delegation.

“Development density in our region is outpacing population growth by a four to one margin,” said Moran. “It’s unsustainable and without increasing land preservation efforts it will result in the continued decline of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.  From the phenomenon of male bass with female organs to large fish kills, nature is telling us the time to act is now. By preserving more land for parks and other green space, we can reverse this deadly trend and save our precious waterways before it’s too late.”

The “National Capital Region Land Conservation Act” would amend the Capper-Cramton Act of 1930, authorizing appropriations of up to $50 million per year for cost share grants to State, regional and local governments. The funding would be used to acquire land in the greater Washington Metropolitan area (as defined by the US Census) for a variety of conservation, environmental and recreational purposes.  The grant program would be administered by the US National Park Service but the land would be held by local governments.

Pollutants in rain water run-off are the leading cause of environmental degradation in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.  As our region’s green spaces are replaced with greater development in the form of impermeable roads, parking lots and buildings, the amount of dirty run-off is increased because rain water is not able to naturally seep into the ground.

From 1990 until today, the population in the National Capital Region increased by 10 percent, yet the amount of impermeable surfaces has increased by 40 percent.

Moran’s bill would update the Capper-Cramton Act, enacted in 1930, which created the National Capital Planning Commission that authorized purchase of all the green space along both sides of the Baltimore Washington Parkway, the GW Parkway and Rock Creek Parkway.  Capper-Cramton was responsible for implementing the remaining portions of the famous ‘McMillan Plan’ which laid a blueprint for the National Mall, and other green space areas surrounding the City’s monuments.  That foresight has resulted in a greener, more livable nation’s Capital.  

Virginia State Senator Patsy Ticer remarked, “This legislation has personal significance for me. In 1965, my late husband Jack, then a member of the Alexandria City Council, helped develop the National Capital Open Space Program which was implemented through the Capper-Cramton Act. Congressman Moran's legislation brings new energy and resources to a program that’s responsible for the majority of parks and green space in the Capital region. As Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Conservation and the Environment, I wholeheartedly endorse this bill.”

Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission stated, “Protecting critical habitat is the key to restoration.  Without it, we will not have a vibrant Potomac or a productive Chesapeake Bay.  This legislation will help the federal government help the National Capital Region reach its preservation goals. The Chesapeake Bay Commission strongly supports this bill and appreciates Rep. Moran's leadership on the issue.”

Patrick Noonan, Chairman Emeritus of the Conservation Fund quoted, “I commend the Congressman for his leadership to conserve the Capital region's treasured landscapes.  When Captain John Smith first explored the Potomac River in 1608, he saw a vast unspoiled land.  Although our region is much altered by history and growth, many natural treasures remain.  Rep. Moran’s bill will help us conserve our region’s heritage and reflects his leadership of the new era in America’s conservation movement.”

Original Cosponsors: Hoyer (D-MD), Holmes Norton (D-DC), Wolf (R-VA), Connolly (D-VA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Wittman (R-VA), Donna Edwards (D-MD)

Conservation Groups who have endorsed the bill:

National
The Nature Conservancy
The Trust for Public Land
The Conservation Fund

Regional
State of Maryland
Commonwealth of Virginia
Audubon Naturalist
Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail

Virginia
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
Potomac Conservancy
Piedmont Environmental Council
Virginia Association for Parks
Prince William County Conservation Alliance
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

D.C.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Anacostia Watershed Society

Maryland
Conservancy for Charles County
Mattawoman Watershed Society
Maryland Bass Federation Nation
Port Tobacco River Conservancy
Accokeek Foundation
Southern Maryland Audubon Society
Chapman Forest Foundation
Friends of Chapman State Park, Inc.

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