State and county leaders examine stormwater, Bay restoration, infrastructure needs, and the evolving policies shaping local water quality efforts.

The health of the Chesapeake Bay remains closely tied to county investments in stormwater management, wastewater systems, and other local infrastructure. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Delegate Dana Stein moderated a discussion with state and water policy experts on the next phase of Maryland’s Bay restoration efforts, including the future of the Bay Restoration Fund, evolving stormwater requirements, and how counties can meet water quality goals while managing aging infrastructure, growth, and increasingly complex local needs.

.@DelDanaStein is moderating “Bay Goals, Stormwater Realities,” a conversation on how counties can align funding, planning, and on-the-ground practices to improve water quality while supporting responsible local growth. #MACoCon https://t.co/x1vURp0LqV pic.twitter.com/1jFaLULXhv

— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 13, 2026

• Lee Currey, Director of the Water and Science Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment spoke about Maryland’s stormwater and water quality priorities, available funding tools, and how counties can support Bay restoration while meeting local infrastructure needs
• Shannon Moore, Director of Frederick County’s Energy and Environment Division gave the county side of why preserving and expanding the BRF is so important.
• Matt Stegman, Staff Attorney for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation discussed the environmental advocacy side and how partnering with all levels of government is critical in meeting Maryland’s bay goals.

Continued coordination between the State and counties will be critical as Maryland advances its Bay restoration goals and local governments implement the infrastructure and practices needed to support cleaner, more resilient waterways.