How much will it cost to bring back Chesapeake Bay?
Since the signing of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement, several Bay organizations have explored possible funding sources for the restoration of the Bay. Released in late 2002, the Chesapeake Bay Commission’s “Cost of a Clean Bay” report estimates that approximately $18.7 billion is needed to meet commitments set forth in Chesapeake 2000. The report estimates it will cost $11.5 billion to achieve the water quality improvements necessary to bring back the Bay’s aquatic plants and animals to levels seen in the 1950s. Most recently, the Commission has led an effort to develop a strategy that aims to obtain funds from a variety of sources including federal, state, local and private sources.
