Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act

Summary

Adds the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office as an advisory member of the State Management Team for Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program and for substantially similar state programs, and authorizes that office to coordinate with state, local, and federal partners and to provide technical assistance and financial resources for projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One provision sets the act’s short title; the bill relies on the existing Chesapeake Bay Program Office established under federal law and does not itself appropriate funds.

• Designates the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office as an advisory member of Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program management team and similar state programs.
• Authorizes the CBPO to coordinate with state, local, and federal governments on Chesapeake Bay watershed projects.
• Authorizes the CBPO to provide technical assistance and to make financial resources available for projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
• Defines the CBPO by referencing the existing federal office established in 33 U.S.C. §1267(b) without amending that statute.
• Does not appropriate funds; any financial support would depend on separate funding actions.
• The CBPO’s role is advisory, preserving state decision-making authority for program management.
• The bill targets projects and coordination within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with explicit focus on Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program.
• One provision only sets the law’s short title and contains no substantive policy changes.