Talbot County is partnering with federal agencies to deliver more than $2.8 million in funding for local infrastructure projects aimed at reducing the impacts of flooding.
Last week, members of Maryland’s congressional delegation announced that $1,436,701 in federal funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Coastal Resilience Fund to support coastal infrastructure projects in the Town of Oxford. The County will offer a further $1,437,959 in matching funds to support the projects.
The money will allow Oxford to create off-shore living islands to reduce the impact of flooding and mainland erosion, in addition to upgrades to existing infrastructure. These funds add to the $1.1 million the delegation announced earlier this year for water infrastructure improvements on the Eastern Shore and the $3.9 million for environmental infrastructure restoration.
From the press release:
“With rising sea levels threatening Marylanders’ homes and livelihoods, we must strengthen our shoreline infrastructure to reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters. These funds will help us address coastal flooding and erosion to protect our communities, buffer fish and wildlife habitats, ensure a thriving regional economy, and revitalize Oxford’s beautiful beaches. I will continue fighting for more investments in climate and flood resilience for the Eastern Shore,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees.
“The issue of resiliency is of great importance to Talbot County and the Town of Oxford. The Building Living Islands to Enhance Shoreline Protection project is a significant step forward in resiliency efforts and will help to promote implementation of natural and nature-based solutions to shoreline erosion and rising sea-level. The County is pleased to support the Town of Oxford in their efforts and extends our gratitude to the federal government and local delegation for their support,” said Corey Pack, President, Talbot County Council.
For more information, view the full press release.
