Chesapeake Currents|online, Summer 2010

Last year, with the help of Clean Water Action members, the District set up a new fund supported by a fee on plastic and paper bags to help restore the Anacostia River and other District waterways. However, within a few months, this fund was threatened by proposals to raid the money to support other programs. One of the many positive aspects of the legislation that imposed a fee on bags was that it would generate money for river clean-up efforts, and thus provide funding during challenging fiscal times.

Perhaps predictably, Clean Water Action heard of attempts this spring to "borrow" the money for other budget purposes during the DC budget discussions. A grassroots mobilization of strong messages to City Council members urging them to protect the fund was successful in stopping the raid.

Thanks to those of you who contacted City Council, and we'll continue watching to make sure program gets implemented properly.