Wittman Advocates for Community Project Funding for Winter Harbor
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted that his $2,000,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) request for Winter Harbor’s Dredged Material Management Plan and Maintenance of Upland Placement Site and $1,000,000 CPF request to secure dredged material sites are included in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Act and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act for Fiscal Year 2027, respectively. Both bills have been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and await 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.
“Maintaining Winter Harbor is critical to the economic activity of the communities that rely on this waterway,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding would ensure safe and reliable navigation of the harbor and keep it accessible for watermen, recreational boaters, and local businesses. I am proud to advocate for Winter Harbor funding, and I remain committed to securing federal funding for the First District to address the needs of our coastal communities.”
“The Virginia seafood industry provides more than $1 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 7,000 jobs, with the Middle Peninsula serving as the geographic epicenter of this long standing and critically important industry cluster. Without adequate channels to provide safe access to harbors for landing of seafood products, the Middle Peninsula economic framework suffers. Federal investment for land acquisition to hold the material and federal funding for maintenance dredging is critical. Congressman Wittman's leadership in securing funding for dredging projects ensures the first congressional district remains a worldwide leader in providing fresh seafood.” - Lewis Lawrence, Managing Director, Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
“Winter Harbor is vital to our watermen and coastal community. Funding for dredging and upland material sites would restore safe navigation and allow us to reuse dredged material to protect our shoreline and enhance local habitats. This funding would have a meaningful impact on our community’s economy, safety, and environmental stewardship for years to come.” - Judi Green, Assistant County Administrator, Mathews County, VA
“The Virginia Waterman’s Association supports the dredging project at Winter Harbor because all of the watermen in this area need a safe navigable channel so they can access their fishing grounds safely. This impacts their livelihood and quality of life. The benefits of this dredging project will have other benefits as well, such as the marina there having access to the bay, and property owners on Winter Harbor having access to the bay also.” - JC Hudgins, President, Virginia Waterman’s Association
“The Norfolk District greatly appreciates the strong partnerships with the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority and the Mathews County community in support of the Winter Harbor Federal Navigation Project. Restoring the harbor to its authorized 6-foot depth is a priority given its importance as a harbor of refuge and a vital fishing and crabbing area. We are committed to working with our local partners to restore and maintain Winter Harbor and ensure its long-term navigability for the watermen and communities who depend on it. As part of this ongoing effort, the USACE Norfolk District welcomed the recent opportunity to meet with and brief Rep. Wittman during his visit to Winter Harbor.” - Katy Damico, Section 408 Coordinator & Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District
This funding would be used to develop a Dredged Material Management Program and to acquire upland dredge material storage sites. These projects would help localities on the Middle Peninsula restore safe and reliable navigation for commercial and recreational users. Maintaining navigable waterways is essential to supporting commercial fishing, aquaculture, marine trades, and recreational boating that drive coastal economies. When channels become unnavigable due to shoaling, dredging is required to ensure safe passage and sustain working waterfronts.
Funding for the Dredged Material Management Program and related environmental coordination and site maintenance efforts will enable regional and county efforts to better maintain Winter Harbor through a regional dredging program. In addition to funds for the management program project, Congressman Wittman advocated for funding to acquire upland dredge material storage sites. By providing designated upland storage sites—based on scientific analysis conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)—this project would enable continued dredging operations and support coastal resilience through the reuse of materials for shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration. Federal investment will preserve economic activity and ensure the long-term viability of coastal communities throughout Virginia’s First Congressional District.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities.