Washington, DC – Today, thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the U.S. Senate passed his bill to create the Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) to expand recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. The CNRA bill authorizes the National Park Service to partner with local stakeholders to acquire sites in Maryland and Virginia by voluntary sale or donation. In addition to increasing recreational opportunities, the CNRA would protect nationally significant lands and cultural sites. Sen. Van Hollen and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) worked together to pass the CNRA bill and Sen. Wicker’s legislation to expand the boundary of the Vicksburg National Battlefield in Mississippi.

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After passing the Senate, the bill goes to the House. Bill supporters are working with Rep. John Sarbanes, who is leading a bipartisan effort to pass the bill in the House this week.

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Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn issued this statement celebrating Senate passage.

“We extend our gratitude to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and his Senate colleagues for passing the bill. We are working closely with Representative John Sarbanes and the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay congressional delegation in the House to pass the bill to provide recreational access to our nation’s largest estuary. The Bay provides outstanding recreational opportunities and holds some of America’s earliest and most significant history.

“We call on the House to pass the bill and send it to President Biden for his signature.”  

Feature Photo by David Sites