For Immediate Release
October 3, 2000
Contact: Debra DeShong
(202) 225-4131

Congressman Hoyer Secures Funding for Tri-County Groundwater Study and Charles County Land Preservation

Washington, DC-  A study of Southern Maryland's groundwater supply and the preservation of undeveloped land in Charles County will receive major funding at the request of Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. The Fiscal Year 2001 Interior Appropriations bill which passed today, includes funding for these two projects at Congressman Hoyer's request.

"These projects, studying the groundwater supply and preserving land in Charles County, both stem from the incredible growth our area is experiencing," said Congressman Hoyer. "Last summer when I met with area leaders and looked at the data, I became convinced that we needed to start studying at our water supply now, before Southern Maryland faces a groundwater crisis. This is the fastest growing region in the state and there are no signs of it stopping. This study will help us to accommodate this growth is a responsible manner. Another part to responsible growth is identifying land that will not be developed. The land in Charles County that will be preserved with this funding is a State treasure and will be preserved for generations of Marylanders."

Southern Maryland Aquifer Study, $300,000: This funding will be used for the second year of a four year study of the aquifer system of the Southern Maryland region. The estimated cost of the study is $1.4 million. The three area counties, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's, have agreed to commit over $350,000 with the remaining costs shared by the State and the Federal Government. Congressman Hoyer secured $140,000 for the first year of the project in the FY2000 Interior Appropriations Bill.

The population of the Southern Maryland Tri-County area (Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's), is projected to increase to approximately 425,000 by the year 2020. This will increase water demand to an estimated 50 million gallons per day, a 20 million increase. A 1997 study by the Maryland Geological Survey concluded that the rapid growth in the county has led to a 75 percent increase in water usage.

To accommodate expected future demand, the Patapsco aquifer system, a lightly utilized aquifer, has been identified as the best source to disperse future ground water. However, this regional study of the water-supply and water-quality in the Patapsco aquifer is needed before a long-range plan can be developed. 

"With this study, we will be able to create a long range plan regarding our water supply. This will ensure that we are not faced with any unexpected and expensive water shortages," said Congressman Hoyer. "I will be monitoring the results of this study to see if there is any further Federal involvement needed."

Douglas Point Project, $1 Million: Almost 6,000 acres of land in Charles County will be preserved with this funding. It is part of President Clinton's "Lands Legacy Initiative," a national program dedicated to preserving the natural heritage, historic sites and green spaces which make America unique. Congressman Hoyer secured $2 Million for this project earlier this year by asking that it be included in the FY00 Emergency Appropriations Conference Report. The $3 Million in Federal funding will be fully matched by the State of Maryland. 

"Open space in Southern Maryland, and throughout the country, is rapidly disappearing. By funding this project, the Congress has made preserving our natural resources a national priority," said Congressman Hoyer. "I look forward to working with the State government to determine the proper usage of this land so that all citizens may enjoy its beauty."

The "Douglas Point Project," as it is being called, will be funded through the Bureau of Land Management in the Department of the Interior. The majority of the land, 5,513 acres, is privately owned. It consists of the Wilson Farm-Mallows Bay Property located on the Route 224 corridor in Liverpool Point, the Canter North and South properties located on route 224 between Indian Head and Nanjemoy, and land owned by PEPCO in that same area. Also included in the preservation project are two additional parcels of land adjacent to one another along the Mattawoman Creek. The lands are identified as the Barbara Alford and Hungerford properties.

"Douglas Point" contains a number of public park holdings in addition to the currently privately held properties. The public lands include the following: Piscataway National Park, Purse State Park, Smallwood State Park (including the Chapmans Landing property), the Ruth B. Swan County Park, the Mattawoman Natural Environmental Area, Chapel Point State Park, Doncaster State Forest, and Friendship Landing County Park.

The area which is designated for preservation includes the location of a Civil War encampment of 25,000 troops, native Indian archeological sites, wildlife habitat for animals including the American bald eagle, osprey, egret, and painted tortoise, and unique wetland and woodland habitat.

The Bureau of Land Management plans to assess the land to determine the appropriate mix of access, recreational use and preservation. They will seek public comments so that local residents can participate in the planning process.