The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the awarding of $9.2 million in grants from the 2012 Chesapeake Stewardship Fund. A total of 41 projects were included, each focused in some way toward reducing the amount of polluted, nutrient and sediment runoff entering local waterways, resulting in cleaner water across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 

One of the projects selected for funding is a proposal from the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus (UMBC). The project will include reconstruction of a parking lot at the Maryland Science Center to incorporate pervious concrete. Additionally, UMBC will work with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to assist in design and construction of Maryland’s first two pervious concrete Park ‘n Rides. Dr. Stuart Schwartz, senior research scientist at UMBC’s Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education, will be heading up the project and is looking forward to partnering with the Maryland Ready Mix Concrete Association (MRMCA) and the NRMCA to provide industry support.

According to NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Philip Kresge, a key part of NRMCA’s role will be to provide Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification to approximately 40 SHA and MTA employees. "NRMCA certification for these state officials will ensure that they are familiar with and understand the intricacies of pervious concrete," Kresge said. "Additionally, requiring NRMCA Certification for the placing contractor provides an added level of quality assurance for this project." 

A press conference was held Tuesday, August 28, at the Maryland Science Center. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) was on hand for the award announcement and check presentation, as were David O’Neill, NFWF, and Jeffery Corbin of the EPA. Grant recipients will also provide over $13.5 million in matching funds, for a total of 22.7 million going toward these restoration projects.