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February 23, 2007
Dominion Pledges $250,000 To Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative
- Largest grant so far to important project
- Goal
to promote enhancement of marine ecosystems
- Dominion challenges other conservation
groups to give generously
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic
arm of Dominion (NYSE:D) will contribute $250,000 to Coastal Conservation Association
Maryland (CCA Md) to support construction of artificial reefs in the Maryland
waters of the Chesapeake Bay and is challenging other conservation organizations
to give generously to the project.
The contribution makes Dominion the largest
single supporter of the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative [MARI], which will
utilize concrete rubble from the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, D.C.,
to build new reefs in the Chesapeake Bay. Funds provided by Dominion
and other contributors will pay for transporting the material and depositing
it in select areas of the bay.
"Dominion is honored to work with the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources, CCA Md and the more than 30 other MARI partners,
such as the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, to provide this
long-term enhancement to the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Pamela
F. Faggert, Dominion vice president and chief environmental officer. "This
project is an excellent fit with Dominion's wide-ranging involvement in environmental
stewardship."
"We hope that Dominion's contribution will encourage
other businesses and organizations to join us in sponsoring this extremely
important initiative," Faggert
said. "The reefs will enhance marine ecosystems and pave the way for widespread
restoration efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay to the benefit of seagrasses,
oysters, crabs, sea ducks, and many other forms of marine life. The reefs will
provide critical habitat that is desperately needed throughout the Chesapeake
Bay."
The Senate and House co-chairs of the bi-partisan Maryland
Legislative Sportsmen’s
Caucus made clear their support for MARI and welcomed Dominion’s generosity.
Maryland
Senator John Astle said: "The caucus salutes Dominion for its
foresight in partnering with 30-plus conservation organizations in helping
make the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative a reality. Dominion is leading
by example."
Maryland Delegate Richard B. Weldon, Jr. said: "Never
in all my years have I witnessed such a groundswell of support for such a single
environment-friendly project. This is why MARI has become the signature initiative
of the Sportsmen’s
Caucus for the 2007 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Thank you,
Dominion."
Funding for the award comes from the Dominion Foundation,
which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities
served by Dominion companies. The Foundation donates more than $10 million
annually to non-profit organizations.
Dominion is one of the nation's largest
producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,000 megawatts of
generation. Dominion also serves retail energy
customers in 11 states and operates the Dominion Cove Point liquefied natural
gas facility in southern Maryland. For more information about Dominion,
visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
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