WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2009)—Maryland's senior Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D), today released a statement saying the fiscal year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act includes almost $40.2 million in
Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) funding slated for Maryland. Of that amount, $15.6 million would go to four projects that have a direct impact on southern Maryland:
-- $500,000 for Calvert County to purchase laptop computers for law enforcement.
-- $500,000 for the Charles County public school system for a digital classroom project.
-- $10 million for the States of Maryland and Virginia to assist watermen struggling with the blue crab disaster.
-- $4.6 million for the States of Maryland and Virginia to replenish native oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Funds will specifically support on-the-ground and in-the-water restoration projects.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the measure Wednesday, with Senate action soon to follow.
Mikulski is Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee.
"As the senior Senator from Maryland, it is my responsibility to fight for funds in the federal checkbook that protect Maryland jobs and communities," said Mikulski in a statement.