Originally printed in The Capital on November 16, 2005
Congressman lauds firms for backing stormwater plan
By E.B. FURGURSON III, Staff Writer
Giving a boost to a grass-roots environmental movement, Rep. Wayne
Gilchrest yesterday handed out awards to 11 businesses backing a
proposed county fund that would help to pay for repairs to
runoff-ravaged watersheds.
Mr. Gilchrest, whose district includes part of the county, praised the
push to "change the hearts and minds" of the public and elected
officials to support efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. He said
low-tech, though not inexpensive, watershed restoration projects
creating bogs and healthy streambeds in the county are on the cutting
edge.
"The solution to the effects of human activity can be compatible with
nature's design," said the Kent County Republican, known for his
support of environmental programs. "The initiative, imagination and
intellect (behind the effort) can lead the way, county by county by
county."
The Anne Arundel Watershed Network, spearheaded by conservationist Anne
Pearson and others, asked Mr. Gilchrest to present the awards, which
are meant to bring environmental and business leaders together and show
county leaders that businesses ranging from developers to mortgage
lenders back the plan. Another six awards were issued to businesses and
organizations unable to send representatives to yesterday's ceremony.
No legislation to create the fund has been introduced before the County
Council. But the idea put forward by environmentalists and county
officials would charge the average property owner roughly $60 per year,
money that would be put into a fund dedicated to projects that mend the
effects of runoff.
The $20 million raised annually would help to pay for the estimated
$400 million in projected work needed in the county, work that would
reduce the nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants running into the bay and
its tributaries.
The largest businesses honored yesterday were Eastern Petroleum,
commercial developer Petrie Ventures and a builder and property
management concern, the Brick Cos.
Walt Petrie, chairman of Petrie Ventures, couldn't attend the event at
the Brick Cos.' Edgewater corporate headquarters, a building that
features a green roof and other innovative environmental features.
But this morning, he said he backs any legislation designed to restore
the county's watersheds, even if it has to be paid by developers or
property owners.
"The bay is in desperate need of any help it can get," Mr. Petrie said."It is time to step up and do the right thing. Nothing is more
important."
Kent McNew, founder of Eastern Petroleum in Annapolis, said he grew up
on the South River and has seen the impact of runoff.
"We are an urban area ... We pave over the land, and instead of going
into the ground, the runoff goes into the rivers and bay," he said."This utility is critical. If we don't do something, I don't see that
there is any hope."
The idea has won public support, according to a recent poll. Fifty-six
percent of those questioned in a late October survey by Anne Arundel
Community College's Center for the Study of Local Issues supported the
plan, while 38 percent opposed it.
The day after the poll was released, County Executive Janet S. Owens
said she's not firmly opposed to the idea but believes it will take
time to figure out how to structure it. Her legal staff has told her
it's a "tax" that could conflict with the county's cap on property tax
revenue.
Others have called it a fee, similar to those charged for water and
sewer hookups. One suggested solution has been to create a special tax
district.
Whether yesterday's ceremony was a gathering of the choir or not, Mr.
Gilchrest said it was heartening to see people working to aid the bay.
"Working on Capitol Hill, you sometimes think you are working in
isolation," said the congressman, who's seeking a $40 million
appropriation for the Chesapeake Bay Program. "But I realize we are not
in isolation at all."
