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municipalauthorities.org | 47 watershed is significantly improving because we’ve brought people together and invested in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. This is a great example of what’s possible when we work together—not just across different levels of government here in Pennsylvania—but across state lines and with the federal government as well. My Administration is proud of this progress—and we’re going to continue to work to restore the Chesapeake Bay for years to come.” “As we look beyond 2025, Virginia remains fully committed to our Chesapeake Bay efforts and the future of this partnership, but we must see a focus on policies and principles that embrace effective government, accountability and prioritization of funding, and voluntary, incentive- based approaches that work with our farmers, and not against them,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. ”My Administration has pressed for change and targeted investments, and it is crucial that the path forward takes into account the significant existing programs and work that Bay jurisdictions are already contributing to reach our goals.” “We must continue our commitment to conserve a healthy, resilient Chesapeake Bay watershed. With the Chesapeake Bay Program moving into 2025, this Executive Council will be in a position to ensure the future of this critical and unique body of water that benefits many communities,” said John Carney, Governor, State of Delaware. “New York State is committed to our ongoing partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River Basin. Agriculture is a crucial contributor to New York's economy and natural resources stewardship, and with the creation of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, New York looks forward to continuing to support the agricultural community’s efforts to create a healthier watershed. A strong and sustained clean water partnership, carefully attuned to local community priorities and benefits, is essential to the success of Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts," said Kathy Hochul, Governor, State of New York. "Washington, DC is proud to continue our participation in the Chesapeake Bay Program, focusing on improving water quality in our rivers and waterways while preserving vital environmental resources. Going into 2025, our commitment to protecting the watershed and ensuring the health, cultural value and resilience of our ecosystem for future generations remains strong," said Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia. Agricultural Advisory Committee To help accelerate progress toward meeting the partnership’s water quality goals, the Executive Council formally signed a directive at the meeting, forming a new Agricultural Advisory Committee. As the first new advisory committee created for the Chesapeake Bay Program since the late 1980s, the Agricultural Advisory Committee will advise the Executive Council on strategies and opportunities for the diversity of agricultural operations across the watershed, serving as a voice for producers and industry to the partnership on agricultural production and conservation. Other Committee Reports The Executive Council also heard from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Local Government Advisory Committee, Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and Stakeholders Advisory Committee, before unanimously voting Maryland Governor Wes Moore for a second term as Chair, to carry the partnership forward into 2025. “The Local Government Advisory Committee thanks the Chesapeake Executive Council for their continued commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. We value consistency and applaud the Watershed Agreement signatories for staying the course toward clean water and thriving living resources,” said Daniel Chao, Chair, Chesapeake Bay Program Local Government Advisory Committee. “Each and every resident of the Bay watershed must understand how a healthy Bay benefits them, and these critical leaders need to understand why proposed changes are necessary, so they may effectively relay this message to their residents. Local leaders are ready and willing to support watershed protection and Continued on page 58.