National Aquarium Secures $11 Million for Floating Wetlands Project
Yesterday, the National Aquarium announced it has secured $11 million in funding for its floating wetland projects. The project, which will be located between Piers 3 and 4 adjacent to the aquarium’s Inner Harbor facility, features wetlands and a pier system. It is designed to create a habitat for native species, gradually improve the harbor’s water quality, and reconnect people with nature on the waterfront.
A floating wetland prototype is currently in place with 1,441 plants.
The $11 million has been secured from both public and private funders to support this waterfront project. Major private donations recently received include CFG Bank, the project’s lead sponsor, with a $3-million gift; $2 million from the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; $1 million from Constellation, an Exelon Company; $1 million from Mary Catherine Bunting; and $500,000 from the Bunting Family Foundation.
The National Aquarium said these donations are the tipping point for making this project a reality. The total project cost will be $14 million.
A National Aquarium spokesperson told SouthBMore.com, “We’re hopeful we’ll start construction in 2021 with a goal to be open in 2022.”
“The waterfront campus is something we want to support for the conservation, education and recreation benefits it will bring to Baltimore City,” said Jack Dwyer, founder of CFG Bank, in a press release. “As someone who is personally devoted to supporting education, I am thrilled CFG Bank is able to help make this immersive ‘outdoor classroom’ a reality for local students. I encourage any local companies to support Baltimore as well.”
Constellation will support a solar powered installation on the waterfront campus as part of its donation.“The National Aquarium makes an incredible impact through conservation and education programs, and the new waterfront campus will expand this reach to even more visitors,” said Jim McHugh, Constellation’s CEO, in a press release. “This expansion, which will provide hands-on science education for local students, will highlight the Aquarium’s longstanding commitment to clean energy and we’re thrilled to support it.”
“These outstanding gifts from CFG Bank and others including public support from Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the State of Maryland, are helping launch a new waterfront renaissance here in Baltimore,” said John Racanelli, president and CEO of the National Aquarium, in a press release. “Through their support, they are joining us in our mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. Our iconic Inner Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay that connects it to the world, are indeed treasures worth protecting.”
Rendering courtesy of National Aquarium
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
