The Maryland Department of the Environment has awarded up to $3.7 million for a shoreline restoration project in Indian Head that will help protect a Charles County environmental justice community while reducing nitrogen pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay.
The funding, approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works, is part of nearly $17 million in Clean Water Commerce Act investments announced this week. The Indian Head Shoreline Restoration is one of three projects selected under the state’s pay-for-success model, which pays only for verified, measurable pollution reductions rather than upfront project costs.
The Indian Head project will stabilize and restore shoreline along the Potomac River, addressing erosion and improving water quality in an area designated as an environmental justice community. Officials estimate it will reduce nitrogen pollution by 1,700 pounds per year. Living shoreline techniques, including native vegetation and natural structures, will be used to enhance habitat, improve flood resilience, and protect nearby properties.
“These investments keep our communities safe and our economy strong,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This is about real results. We are cleaning the water and creating good local jobs. We only pay for projects that work.”
For Indian Head residents, the project addresses long-standing concerns about shoreline erosion along the Potomac River and Henderson Lane area. The Town of Indian Head has been actively seeking funding for shoreline stabilization to protect homes, infrastructure, and public spaces from the impacts of rising water levels and stronger storms. The restoration work is expected to provide both environmental benefits and increased resilience for the community.
The Clean Water Commerce Act is a key part of Maryland’s strategy to meet Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals under the state’s Watershed Implementation Plan. By using a performance-based payment model, the state ensures taxpayer dollars are spent only on projects that deliver documented nutrient reductions.
Two additional Eastern Shore projects were also funded: the Stumpf Farm Stream Restoration in Cecil County (up to $8.4 million, expected to reduce nitrogen by 27,000 pounds per year) and the Sears Farm Stream Restoration in Kent County (up to $4.9 million, expected to reduce nitrogen by 9,400 pounds per year).
Governor Wes Moore has proposed more than $400 million in his FY27 budget for Chesapeake Bay and clean water initiatives. These projects are expected to create local jobs, improve public spaces, and support Maryland’s tourism and seafood industries, which contribute billions to the state economy each year.
The Indian Head Shoreline Restoration is particularly significant for Southern Maryland, where shoreline erosion and water quality issues directly affect residents, recreational users, and the local economy. Cleaner waterways support fishing, boating, and waterfront property values throughout Charles County.
The Maryland Department of the Environment will continue to work with local partners to implement the projects and verify pollution reductions before final payment is made under the Clean Water Commerce Act.
