“Administered by the National Park Service since 1998, the 170 Gateways and Watertrails Network sites include parks, museums, paddling trails, and wildlife refuges that together serve as an economic generator, attracting $2.2 billion in annual tourist spending, which supports 25,000 direct tourism jobs in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  In addition, outdoor recreational activities contribute billions of dollars annually to the region and supports thousands of jobs.

“The Gateways and Watertrails Network continues to enhance public access by offering matching public-private partnership grants.  Over the last few years, Gateways’ grants have funded communities and local partners to build new access sites where metropolitan and rural areas benefit from the water trails and wildlife refuges that support the Chesapeake’s vital boating, fishing and hunting industry.

“Congressman Sarbanes is a true advocate for America’s national parks.  Earlier this year, Representative Sarbanes earned NPCA’s Friends of the National Parks Award for his leadership and voting record on significant national park issues. We look forward to working with Rep. Sarbanes and Congress to ensure that the Chesapeake Bay Gateways & Watertrails Network is reauthorized, supporting critical economic growth and tourism throughout the region. We encourage friends of the national parks to learn more about the Chesapeake by visiting a gateway site today.”