John Sarbanes: “this measure would authorize the Smith Island, Maryland ecosystem restoration project. Joining me in sponsoring this…”

“this measure would authorize the Smith Island, Maryland ecosystem restoration project. Joining me in sponsoring this measure is my colleague Senator Mikulski. Smith Island, is one of the last remaining inhabited islands in the Chesapeake Bay and an area of unique cultural, historical and environmental significance. Because of its location and elevation, it is highly susceptible to the damaging forces of nature. In the past 150 years, more than 3,000 acres of the island have eroded into the Chesapeake Bay. As a consequence, the communities of Ewell, Tylerton and Rhodes Point are seriously threatened, the Federal navigation channels shoal within months after dredging, and habitat and other natural resources are being lost at an alarming rate. Since 1993 alone, the Smith Island vicinity has lost over 2400 acres of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, SAV ecologically valuable wetlands have also been lost. This habitat is critical to the health of the Bay and the area's fishing and crabbing industry.”