The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced more than $90 million for 83 projects intended to improve water quality and restore habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

EPA is providing $37 million, with an additional $53 million from other agencies, through the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) programs. The projects will support local restoration efforts including soil improvements, physical barriers and habitat restoration.

The funding is being awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, a partnership with EPA that provides grants and technical assistance for conservation and restoration projects across the watershed.

According to EPA, the partnership with NFWF has awarded more than $800 million through more than 2,000 grants since 1999. Those projects have reduced nitrogen pollution by more than 40 million pounds, restored more than 3,000 miles of streamside forests and 9,500 acres of wetlands and treated stormwater runoff from more than 23,000 acres of impervious surfaces.

The 2026 funding will support projects across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which encompasses more than 1,800 communities and is home to nearly 18 million people. EPA said the projects are intended to deliver local water quality improvements while contributing to broader Chesapeake Bay restoration goals.