Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of his $810,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) request to acquire disposal sites for dredging on the Middle Peninsula in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The funding has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House floor.

During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman traveled across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia’s First District. 

“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.”   

"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." – Lewie Lawrence, Lead Planner & Secretary at the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority

 

Dredging is a critical process that removes debris from waterways, making them usable for commercial and recreational vessels. While most dredged material can be reused for shoreline restoration, some of it must be removed because it is not suitable for reuse purposes. If approved, this funding would enable the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority to buy land to store unusable waste, ensuring continued access to navigable waters throughout the Bay watershed.  

Community Project Funding (CPF) gives Members of Congress, like Congressman Wittman, the opportunity to bring Virginia tax dollars back home for Virginia priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Virginians a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.