Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced that $810,000 in Community Project Funding to acquire dredge material disposal sites for the Middle Peninsula has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The funding was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
Wittman spent time during the August district work period meeting with local leaders across Virginia’s First District to discuss federal investments. He emphasized the importance of maintaining accessible waterways for Virginians.
“Keeping waterways along the Chesapeake Bay accessible to Virginians will always be a priority,” said Rep. Wittman, “Coastal communities rely on the commercial and recreational opportunities the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries provide, and I’m proud to support those communities by securing this essential funding in the Appropriations Committee’s bill. This funding will support the establishment of a regional dredging program that will ensure access to these critical waterways along the Chesapeake Bay.. I was excited to meet with the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Authority in August to hear about the impact this funding would have across the Middle Peninsula.”
Lewie Lawrence, Lead Planner & Secretary at the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority, added: “Keeping our maritime highways open is crucial to commercial watermen and the many businesses that depend on working waterfronts in rural coastal Virginia. This federal investment would reopen a key channel that provides access to the Chesapeake Bay — restoring safe access for watermen and unlocking the economic and recreational potential of Winter Harbor. By investing in this critical infrastructure, we strengthen Mathews County’s working waterfronts and preserve the traditions, jobs, and quality of life that define coastal Virginia.”
Dredging is necessary for removing debris from waterways so they remain navigable for both commercial and recreational vessels. Some dredged material cannot be reused for shoreline restoration purposes and must be stored elsewhere. If passed, this funding will allow land purchases for storing unusable waste by the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority.
Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress an opportunity to direct federal dollars toward specific local needs within existing budget limits.
Rob Wittman has represented Virginia’s 1st District in Congress since 2007 after previously serving in state and local government roles. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1959 and resides in Montross. More information about his career can be found at https://wittman.house.gov/about/biography/.
