PRESS RELEASE – ANNE ARUNDEL WATERSHED NETWORK – July 31, 2006
Contact: Anne Pearson, 410-956-1002; Aplace4@verizon.net
The Leadership Coalition has recently announced its support for establishment of a fund to restore Anne Arundel County Rivers and Creeks.
Using the Severn River Watershed as an example, a Team of experts estimates that implementation of the Fund in 2007, will result in the following benefits by 2017:
• 35% of waterways will improve from Very Poor and Poor to Good based on the Physical Habitat Index.
• Waterways in the Good Category will go from 39% currently to 75% in 2017
• There will be a dramatic improvement in the quality of fishing, crabbing, swmimming, and boating throughout the watershed.
• Average cost to the homeowner is $5 month. Businesses will pay proportionally.
The Watershed Restoration Fund will generate $36 million each year. Spent for restoration in equal amounts in each of the County’s major watersheds each year, the monies will result in tangible improvements to Creeks and Rivers.
For residents who complain of degraded quality of life they settled here to enjoy, the Watershed Restoration Fund charge is minuscule compared to its benefits and it offers up to 50% reduction when runoff is infiltrated.
“I can not imagine any homeowner objecting to paying $5.00/month to help restore the streams in Anne Arundel County and setting a standard for all of the jurisdictions that impact our precious bay to follow. The commercial and industrial real estate owners should also contribute to this cause due to the large impervious areas they contain that have a huge impact on our streams and waterways, “ comments Walter Petrie, Petrie-Ross Ventures.
Stanley Watkins, Oncologist, adds, “It’s time we were able to end swimming restrictions in Anne Arundel County every time it rains. This fund will give us the capability of restoring the watershed so we can swim and eat fish and crabs without fear of the consequences.”
“Without this Watershed Restoration Fund, we will leave a dismal legacy for those who come behind us. As a lifelong resident and businessman, I say we need this Fund to restore the creeks and rivers,” emphasizes Kent McNew, Eastern Petroleum Executive Board Director.
“Stewardship of the environment is a responsibility that begins in Genesis and does not end with us. It is time we made real improvements in Anne Arundel County watersheds,” declares Chris Holmes, Superintendent of the United Methodist Church.
Stephen Barry, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center speaks from his personal dedication, ““Our children expect government and all citizens to respect and care for our watershed. The Storm Water Fund is the most equitable way to share this responsibility.”
“I am deeply rewarded that the assembled group of prominent Business, Medical, Academic, Religious and public representatives has taken the lead in endorsing such significant action to restore the Creeks and Rivers in Anne Arundel County,” says Anne Pearson, Director of the Alliance for Sustainable Communities and Leader of the Anne Arundel Watershed Network.
Candidate for County Executive, George Johnson has won the Blue Crab Candidate Award for his endorsement of the Fund. Candidates for County Council Josh Cohen, Robb Tufts, Jamie Benoit and Delegate and Senate Candidates Mike Shay and Scott Hymes have also won the Award for their commitment to watershed protection. County Council Candidate Rik Forgo has been nominated a Blue Crab Candidate for his support of the Fund.
Leadership Coalition members are:
Kent McNew, Executive Director of the Board, Eastern Petroleum
Michael Furbish, Furbish Co LLC
Walt Petrie, Petrie-Ross Ventures
Stanley Watkins -Oncologist
Lex Birney, CEO the Brick Companies
Chris Holmes, Superintendent of the United Methodist Church
Torrey Brown, retired MD DNR Secretary
Dick Franyo, retired Stock Exchange, Boatyard Bar and Grill
Howard Ernst, author Chesapeake Bay Blues
Midgett Parker, Linowes & Blocher LLP
Joyce Olin, Attorney
Peter Gray, Chairman of the Board, Friends of Back Creek Nature Park
Kincey Potter, President, South River Federation
Anne Pearson, Director, Alliance for Sustainable Communities
James Gracie, Brightwater, Inc.
Stephen Barry, A.A. County Public Schools Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center
Evan Belaga, Weems Creek Conservancy, Severn River Association, Friends of the Chesapeake
